Open Doors Academy

As a Garrett Morgan School of Leadership & Innovation ODA alum, Jade R. reflected on her experience at ODA’s Summer Camp last year alongside her younger brother, Breakthrough Willard elementary scholar Januel. While she was growing as a scholar herself, she also got to experience the program through the eyes of a big sister watching her brother come out of his shell and grow in confidence.

Before ODA, Jade shared that Januel was very quiet and mostly kept to himself. But during camp, she saw him begin to open up, make friends, and come home excited to talk about his day.

“It meant a lot because I got to spend time with him outside of being home and I got to see him how he is around other kids as well,” Jade shared.

Now, Jade is attending Tri-C, majoring in sonography, while working full-time as an assistant manager. She says the communication and confidence she built through ODA continue to help her every day in college and at work.

As we get ready to kick off Season 1 Summer Camp next week, we’re excited for another summer full of growth, connection, and memories for scholars and families across our community.

Our Orchard STEM middle school scholars spent the day aboard the GOODTIME III on a two-hour narrated cruise along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, learning about Cleveland’s history while taking in views of downtown, the Flats, and the surrounding shoreline.

Scholars experienced the city’s skyline while listening to narration that highlighted key landmarks and lesser-known historical facts about Cleveland.
With access to multiple decks and open space to move around, scholars were able to take in the experience from different perspectives across the boat and enjoy views of the lakefront and river.

Shalaria, program coordinator at Orchard STEM, shared, “They were able to learn about their city and see it in a way they hadn’t before.”

A huge thank you to Goodtime III for hosting our scholars and creating an unforgettable learning experience on the water!

At Euclid’s End-of-Year Showcase, parent Renea Martin was recognized with the PINC Award!

The award honors a parent who embodies what it means to Protect, Inspire, Nurture, and Challenge within the community, and Renea’s story reflects each of those qualities in a powerful way.

As the parent of Euclid Middle School scholar Kaniyah C., Renea shared how Open Doors Academy became a source of support, belonging, and community for her family during a difficult season.

“ODA made me feel like family,” Renea shared. “We were so boxed in because we didn’t have anybody. But ODA helped me become more open.”

Through ODA, both Renea and Kaniyah found connection when they needed it most. Today, Renea says conversations about ODA happen daily in their home because of how much the program has meant to their family.

For Heaven M., leadership starts with showing up for her community.

Congratulations to Heaven, a junior at Garrett Morgan School of Leadership & Innovation who was selected for the inaugural Cleveland Cavaliers 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.

Cleveland Metropolitan School District