Open Doors Academy

Pennies, nickels, and paper piggy banks turned into conversations about future possibilities. This spring, volunteers from Third Federal visited Open Doors Academy elementary sites to lead hands-on financial literacy lessons that helped scholars connect saving, decision-making, and entrepreneurship. What started with identifying coins quickly grew into scholars brainstorming business ideas, calculating savings goals, and imagining what they could build for themselves and their communities. “I was impressed with the children in the class,” said Amy Garcia, Community Development Service Manager at Third Federal at Third Federal. “They learned to identify pennies, dimes, quarters, nickels, and dollar bills. They rhymed words, the importance of savings, and in the final class, came up with a business concept to earn funds for a toy they would like to purchase.” Thank you to the team at Third Federal for investing their time, knowledge, and encouragement into our scholars and helping them build skills that will support their futures both inside and outside the classroom.

For Heaven M., leadership starts with showing up for her community. Congratulations to Heaven, a junior at @garrettmorgan_leadership , who was selected for the inaugural @cavs Social Impact Academy, an eight-month program from the Cleveland Cavaliers focused on civic engagement, leadership, and social impact. Throughout the program, Heaven and fellow scholars explored issues like equity, food insecurity, voting, and community advocacy through hands-on workshops and partner experiences across Northeast Ohio. “My separate personal project is going to be the documentary that I’m going to do, which is ‘Underestimation, Built the Land,’” Heaven shared. “It’s just me talking about how Cleveland’s been really underestimated and how our community still always bounces back.” She also reflected on what she is taking forward from the experience: “Treat your home like a home.” Heaven’s work reflects a deeper truth of the Academy, that young people are not just learning about change, they are leading it. @clevelandmetroschools

Financial literacy is a critical part of how we prepare scholars for what comes next. Through Better Money Habits, @bankofamerica 's financial education platform, volunteers brought interactive resources into our high school programs at @garrettmorgan_engineering , @max.hayeshs , and @clevelandheightstigers . Sessions included step-by-step “how-to” guides and short videos like “How much should be in an emergency fund?” that helped make complex financial topics clear, relevant, and easy to apply. Scholars engaged in conversations about budgeting, saving, credit, and debit cards and how today’s decisions shape their future opportunities. For many scholars, the concepts clicked in personal ways. Jayella C., scholar at Heights High School, reflected on savings and growth, sharing, “I liked learning how a savings account has interest rates that add money to your savings account once you deposit money into it.” Chris G., Heights High School scholar, connected the lessons to long-term goals, noting, “It was interesting hearing about the difference between debit and credit cards and how building credit can help you purchase a house and other things in the future.” Ashley Wasielewski, Community Relations Manager at Bank of America, emphasized the broader impact of this work: “Starting financial literacy early is one of the best ways to set up the next generation for a life where they’re in control and confident about finances. Programs like Bank of America’s Better Money Habits make these ‘grown-up’ topics approachable, turning what could be a stressful learning curve into a series of smart, simple wins that stick with them for a lifetime.” Thank you to Bank of America and their Champions who volunteered their time to help our scholars build a strong foundation in financial management and move one step closer to a confident, self-sufficient future.

At @bpswillard , learning went beyond the classroom and onto the plate for our elementary scholars. During our healthy plates activity, scholars explored what it means to build a balanced meal, from fruits and vegetables to whole grains and proteins. Then they brought those lessons to life, designing their own “plates” and thoughtfully choosing foods from each group. From sweet potatoes and celery to bananas and oranges, scholars filled their plates with colorful, creative choices that reflect what they’re learning about healthy living. @breakthrough.cle

During a recent visit to @oatey_co , @max.hayeshs scholars stepped behind the scenes of a working manufacturing facility, exploring everything from one-of-a-kind molds to the final products used in homes every day. Seeing the full process, from creation to real-world application, helped connect what they’re learning to future career pathways. Scholars also heard directly from Ruben Santos, Maintenance Supervisor, and Maureen Pansky, Human Resources Manager, who shared insights into Oatey’s apprenticeship program and what it takes to build a future in the trades. Thank you to the team at Oatey for welcoming our scholars and investing their time and expertise to show them what’s possible!

Scholars stepped up to the mic and into their moment. “Learning how to run a business and being an entrepreneur - it's just joy,” said Breakthrough Midtown scholar Calvin W. That joy was on full display at Saturday’s Entrepreneur Showcase that combined our Pitch Challenge Grand Final and Lemonade Day Marketplace at Cleveland Heights High School. In the Pitch Challenge, one scholar pitched an idea for a mirror designed to recognize your mood and respond in real time. Another scholar built a service to walk younger students home safely after school. One product tackled a real challenge head-on with gum designed to help people quit nicotine. Each pitch told a story, and each product solved a problem. From the stalls of the Lemonade Day Marketplace, scholars sold shoe cleaner, handmade candles, notebooks, tote bags, hair clips, bracelets, hats, perfume, bath bombs, stress balls, mugs, coasters, and even solutions like outlet and light switch covers. All products were built and branded by the scholars themselves, and rooted in weeks of research and hands-on preparation. Every interaction with customers became a moment to practice communication and front-facing customer experience. “I was very, very impressed," said Nita Seaton, grandparent of a @bpssoutheast scholar. "They had excellent customer service skills, especially at such young ages.” Congratulations to our Pitch Challenge winners: Elementary: Rylei W., Breakthrough Southeast, Grade 3, Memory Jar Middle School: Brandon W., @bpsmidtown , Grade 8, Nova Mirror High School: London-Raine W., @max.hayeshs , Grade 9, SafeLink Thank you to @rmurreytv for serving as our emcee, and to our judges Shanelle Smith Whigham from KeyBank, Councilman Michael Houser from Cuyahoga County Council, and our own Director of Family Engagement, Gina Garrett for investing their time and expertise in our scholars. We are grateful to our program partners @youngeinstitute for the curriculum and guidance, @clevelandheightstigers for hosting the event, and @chuhschools partners Mr. Norman, Dr. Brandon Towns, and the security and custodial teams for their ongoing partnership.

Access to safe transportation should not limit opportunity. At Lima North Middle School in @lima_city_schools , our 5th and 6th grade scholars are learning real-world skills through a five-week bike education program. They are learning how to ride safely, understand traffic laws, and care for their bikes, while connecting with community leaders and exploring their city. “We’re excited to provide this opportunity for our scholars,” said Brittney Vorhees, lead coordinator at Lima North Middle School. “Not only are they building valuable life skills, but they’re also strengthening their connection to the community through mentorship with coaches and exploring the city by bike.” Thank you to the City of Lima for making this opportunity possible.

Alesha F., a senior at @max.hayeshs , is proving what it means to lead with both excellence and voice. Alesha was recognized with the Who’s Who Award, an honor given to scholars who not only demonstrate strong academic achievement but also actively contribute to their school community. Students selected for this recognition have participated in school life in meaningful ways, maintained strong GPAs, and engaged in conversations about how education can grow and improve. The award ceremony was held at @cle_rotary . As part of the experience, Alesha joined other scholars in discussions with educators and school leaders about their experiences in the education system and the changes they want to see. “We talked about injustice, the school system, and how teachers teach. A lot of kids have the same opinions about the way the education system is.” We are proud of Alesha for using her voice, engaging in critical conversations, and representing Max Hayes.

Through our Entrepreneurship Unit across our program sites, scholars are building business skills in real time. With the support of Crystal Ann Hall, Community Engagement Officer at Black Child Development Institute and Creative Lead at High Crown Marketing Group, she brought business ideas to life, showing scholars how to design logos and even created mock-ups of their brands online. "Working alongside these young creatives was a reminder that brilliance does not wait for adulthood. It shows up in their ideas, their curiosity, and the fearless way they bring their visions to life," said Crystal. Thank you, Crystal, for showing our scholars what’s possible!

Chelon Pleasure has watched her son Anthony grow more confident, engaged, and proud of his work. That shift showed up in a big way at The City Club of Cleveland's High School Essay Contest, where Anthony earned second place for an essay on artificial intelligence. “That was the first time he’s ever been proud of something he wrote,” Chelon said. For Chelon, it’s more than an award. It’s a reflection of how much her son has grown over time - in school, at home, and in how he sees himself. Read the full story at the link in our bio!

“Other kids should join ODA because you spend a lot of time with your friends. You do great activities!” Sandusky Intermediate scholar Jermaine summed it up best. At our Sandusky end-of-year showcase, families got a chance to see exactly what he meant. From connecting with staff to exploring displays of scholars’ experiences, the night highlighted a year of growth, confidence, and community. A standout baton twirling performance brought energy to the room, giving scholars a chance to shine and families a moment to celebrate. Across it all, one thing was clear – when scholars feel connected and engaged, it shows in and out of the classroom. @scsbluestreaks

Air power in action! 💨 Students learned about forces and Newton’s third law while designing and testing ballon powered cars. 🚗 #intersectstem #motion