What began as a small Student Voice Board of eight students in Akron Public Schools has since become a citywide movement—centering youth as leaders, solution-builders, and culture shifters. These students weren’t just sharing ideas—they were helping shape policies, lead restorative conversations, and improve school culture from the inside out.

 

Then came the heartbreaking death of Jalen Walker, a moment that tore through Akron and left our community in mourning. But the students didn’t retreat.

They responded—with purpose.

 

They expanded their efforts, launched Safe Space Conversations with civic leaders, and brought peers together to process, heal, and lead. Their work reached beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community.

 

As the Student Voice initiative grew, so did its branches—including the creation of Locker Room Leadership, a special extension of the program focused on student-athletes. In partnership with Love Akron, this initiative supports youth through quarterly leadership development sessions held on local college campuses—where students engage with community leaders and with each other, preparing for life beyond high school.

 

Across schools, sports teams, nonprofits, and camps, the Student Voice movement has one clear result: impact. 

•    Attendance improves    

•    Student engagement rises    

•    School culture transforms    

•    Youth feel seen, heard, and supported

 

And when that happens, funders and community partners take notice.

 

Organizations that prioritize student voice are more likely to secure grants, attract donors, and build lasting collaborations—because stakeholders want to invest in programs that center youth leadership, equity, and real outcomes.That’s why DM Whits: Curator of Good Thoughts provides hands-on consulting, custom resource guides, and tailored youth leadership programming—to help you build something that not only inspires change, but sustains it.

 

When students lead, communities thrive—and the next generation of leaders is born.

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