GAR Foundation’s distribution committee approved more than $1.8 million in grants, supporting 17 Akron-area nonprofits. Among the grantmaking highlights is a $100,000 investment in Stark State College to advance the continued success of its nationally recognized Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program—a proven pathway to family-sustaining careers in commercial truck driving.
Since Stark State’s CDL training program launched in 2019, more than 650 students have earned their license, with an impressive 95% success rate among those who complete the training and take the exam. With over 3,000 annual driver openings in the region combined with starting salaries averaging $65,000, the demand for skilled commercial drivers continues to grow. GAR’s support of the Akron-based training center further strengthens the college’s capacity to produce job-ready graduates.
“Investing in Stark State’s CDL program is deeply meaningful for GAR Foundation,” said Christine Amer Mayer, president of GAR Foundation. “It connects directly to our founder’s legacy in transportation and logistics while preparing a new generation for careers that offer economic opportunity and stability. Stark State is transforming lives through this program, and we’re proud to help make that possible.”
Dr. Para Jones, President of Stark State College, is a proud former Roadway employee. She underscored the importance of the partnership, noting “Early in my career, I had the opportunity to learn the legacy of Galen Roush and appreciate Roadway’s impact on Akron, the region, and the nation. Thanks to GAR Foundation, Roadway’s legacy and impact live on.”
An additional standout grant this quarter is a $250,000 investment in Youth Success Summit (YSS), a network of partners dedicated to providing high quality after school and summer programs that are focused on children’s growth, development and success. YSS is helping to remove long-standing barriers to youth opportunity. Through YSS' leadership, the County’s Summer Youth Employment Program has more than tripled the number of youth in paid summer jobs. They also partnered to help launch the new Summer for All initiative, which offers both academic support and essential skill-building opportunities for local youth.
“Youth Success Summit is doing incredible work to expand access and create real opportunities for young people,” said Mayer. “They’re bringing the right people together to solve complex, systemic issues, which is creating a stronger, more supportive community for our youth.”
GAR continues to support Akron-area nonprofits aimed at enhancing education; economic, workforce, and community development; arts and culture; and basic needs in the region. The Foundation is committed to helping Akron become smarter, stronger, and more vibrant.
Among some of the other grants awarded are the following:
- Akron Public Schools, $60,000 for educator professional development with Ron Clark Academy
- ArtsNow, $125,000 for operating support
- ArtSparks, $25,000 for operating support
- Better Kenmore, $60,000 for operating support
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio, $65,000 for operating support for Akron clubs
- Center for Applied Theatre and Active Culture, $15,000 for operating support
- Musical Arts Association, $100,000 for multiyear operating support
- Axess Family Services, $65,000 for operating support for Mobile Meals in Summit County
- Northeast Ohio Center for Choreography, $25,000 for operating support
- Ohio Shakespeare Festival, $10,000 for operating support
- Shelter Care, $35,000 for multiyear operating support
- South Street Ministries, $55,000 for operating support
- Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, $30,000 for operating support
- Stark State College Foundation, $100,000 for CDL Training Support
- VANTAGE Aging, $40,000 for operating support for Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio
- West Hill Neighborhood Organization, $10,000 for WonderFest and West Hill Wednesdays
- Youth Success Summit, $250,000 for operating support