The William + Flora Hewlett Foundation is a charitable foundation that advances ideas and supports institutions to promote a better world, including education for all. For several years, they have supported Akron Public Schools and their College & Career Academies, particularly appreciating the district's goal of increasing student and community voice, and support for educators.
In March 2023, the Hewlett Foundation invited Akron to bring two students and two administrators to the board retreat so the board could hear about educational experiences directly from those they support. Representatives from Baltimore, Maryland and Jackson, Mississippi, were also at the retreat.
APS high school students from across the district were invited to apply to attend the retreat to discuss their experiences and how they help students to prepare for a successful future. The application essays were judged anonymously by a group of educators to determine which two students would represent APS at the Hewlett Board Retreat in Menlo Park, California.
Ithar Azzam from North High School and Evyn Swoope from NIHF STEM High School were chosen to represent APS. They did a fantastic job representing the student voice and student agency in action.