SEI brings together partners, tools and student-led programs to make youth voice a catalyst for progress across Summit County. When students lead, their lived experience shapes policies that actually work
Youth-led solutions address root causes. By centering student voices, we build initiatives grounded in real priorities that communities rally around.
The best decisions are grounded in lived experience. When students lead, their perspectives guide policies and practices that respond to real needs.
Empowered students become ambassadors, championing issues among peers, families and local leaders. As advocates, they rally broader community support and help maintain momentum.
Leadership opportunities foster self-efficacy, promote a sense of belonging, and cultivate the next generation of changemakers who believe they can make a difference.
We ensure student voices are not only heard, but translated into meaningful, data-driven action by embedding youth expertise into our objectives, initiatives, partnerships and data tools.
Hundreds of Students united across multiple school districts in county-wide decision-making.
Policy Shifts informed by student-identified priorities around safety, equity, and well-being.
Funds Gaps highlighted and resources redirected to youth-driven violence prevention and academic support strategies.

Empower students to meaningfully influence policies, programs and practices that shape their lives and neighborhoods.
Create structured opportunities to build leadership skills, deepen civic knowledge and transition into long-term roles
Collaborate with young people to identify root causes of violence and co-create prevention strategies, especially in out-of-school settings.
Deploy resources that visualize student input, illustrate trends and inspire community action through data-driven insights.
This cross-district, student-led collaborative focuses on driving systemic change. Members recommend policies, organize community events and lead data collection efforts that inform county priorities.
These school-based clubs cultivate student advocacy, equity and leadership. Two representatives from each SEE club serve on SCYC, creating a direct pipeline for student priorities into county-wide decision-making.
This citywide network unites all Youth Advisory Boards within Akron. Members set agendas, influence local policy and lead community initiatives, ensuring that youth leadership is sustained and scaled and youth voice is heard.
Partners embed civic engagement and student-led change in programs, using our data, collaborative improvement training and coaching. They commit to uplift student voices, share power and equip young people as change agents.