OHIO URBAN RENAISSANCE

Initiative for College Academics Now (I CAN) - is a college preparatory program aimed at encouraging inner-city high school students toward the path of post-secondary education. ICAN assists students with their current high school studies and helps them to effectively navigate their socio-emotional environmental landscape. ICAN provides students with opportunities for college credit procurement and industry-recognized certifications while in high school and follows students through the completion of their respective post-secondary education and career pathways. ICAN currently serves over 90 students and has aided in the enrollment and support of 30 plus first generation college students spanning institutions across the United States. Additionally, ICAN was awarded funding support from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and partnered with Youngstown City School District to provide afterschool programming at the high school level. ICAN also worked with the students from Eastern Gateway Community College, students from the Education Department at Youngstown State University, and Youngstown State University's Diversity Equity and Inclusion Department to provide additional support for program participants.

O.U.R. Prep Academy is a post-secondary bridge program and an extension of our ICAN program. OUR Prep Academy functions as a separate phase of programming and targets high school graduates interested in pursuing post-secondary education as either students or student-athletes but due to their varying circumstances may not be ready for full-time enrollment. OUR Prep affords high school graduates in the year immediately following graduation with support and guidance to aid in their development academically, personally, socially, or athletically while preparing them to achieve at the next level. OUR Prep assisted with the application, FAFSA, and enrollment of over 20 students into college part-time with all students successfully transferring into full-time college students.