Open Doors Academy

What happens when curiosity gets the better of fear? 🐍
Our Mansfield City School District scholars at Mansfield Middle School had a few surprises this summer when Drew Jeffries and the team at Ohio Pet Depot brought some unusual visitors to camp.
There were plenty of questions, some brave volunteers, and a chance to discover that things aren't always as frightening as they first appear.
Read the story – including the special connection that brought Drew and his animals to Open Doors Academy: https://tinyurl.com/4bxpers2

Give young people quality materials, space to create, and the freedom to follow their imaginations – and see what happens. 🎨✨

Scholars in our Shoreview Elementary School afterschool program have been creating, experimenting, and expressing their individuality through art as they get to know one another and build community.

No two creations look quite the same – exactly as it should be. 💙

Great work, Ms. Josephine and the Shoreview team!

Euclid City Schools

A Greenbrier getaway. VIP Cleveland experiences. An 18-bottle bourbon collection. A luxury Walden retreat.

They’re all part of this year’s ODA Clambake raffle – and you don’t have to attend the Clambake to win.

Only 250 tickets are available for each package, with proceeds supporting ODA’s year-round afterschool and summer programs across Northern Ohio.

See the full prize packages: https://opendoorsacademy.org/raffle

Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland Browns Cleveland Guardians Club Room at Fidelity Hotel Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar Playhouse Square The Cleveland Orchestra The Greenbrier Spa Walden Walden

"I see problems in my community, and I think I can play a role in solving them."
Read about our high school interns' conversation with Northeast Ohio elected officials: https://tinyurl.com/yzmuxyhm

State Rep. Juanita Brent
Eric Synenberg for State Representative
Tristan Rader for Ohio

Asking Questions of Our Elected Officials | September 30, 2026 | Afterschool and summer educational programs for K-12 students in Greater Cleveland, Northeast and Northwest Ohio | Open Doors Academy “I see problems in my community, and I think I can play a role in solving them.” That's how State Representative Tristan Rader (D-13) described what first inspired him to pursue public service during a recent conversation with Open Doors Academy's high school interns. Hosted at St. Paul’s Epis...

Every child deserves someone who will sit down and read with them. 💙

Recently, Gaia Beltram, a junior at Berea-Midpark High School in Berea City School District, spent part of her afternoon reading with elementary scholars at Orchard STEM School in Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Together they shared stories, plenty of laughs, and even discovered a mutual appreciation for Sonic. When it was time to leave, one scholar, Noah, summed up the afternoon perfectly:
"I'd like Ms. Gaia to come back."

Thank you Gaia! We also can't wait for you to come back!

What can one thoughtful question uncover?
Scott Simon recently posed one to our staff - and the conversations that followed were unforgettable.
Read the story and learn about his upcoming book launch.
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/48v8hh6w

Cuyahoga County Public Library

Tickets are selling fast for the 2026 ODA Clambake!

Join us October 17 at Cleveland Rowing Foundation for a lively, welcoming evening by the river with great food, music, raffle prizes, and a program that puts ODA scholars and families at the center.

Your ticket helps support year-round afterschool and summer programs for young people and their families across Northern Ohio.

We’ll also honor Roger Frank from Little Jacket with our 2026 Luminary Award.

Purchase tickets today:
https://opendoorsacademy.org/clambake

Myanna had some clear takeaways from a financial literacy and budgeting activity during Open Doors Academy's summer camp.

Find out one of the lessons this sixth grader is taking with her as she starts the year at the Breakthrough Willard campus.

💙 Read her story: https://tinyurl.com/4589sbkh

Our high school scholars recently experienced Hospitality in the Land, spending a day with professionals whose work helps welcome visitors from around the world to Cleveland.
From Cleveland's Fidelity Hotel, to House of Blues Cleveland, and the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, the day introduced scholars to new careers, new perspectives, and new possibilities.
Read the story: https://tinyurl.com/yvx8uwec

Some of the best career advice has nothing to do with choosing a career.

A recent visit to Taft Law gave our high school scholars a chance to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and hear directly from professionals about what success really looks like.

Read the story: https://tinyurl.com/3t9ukvvt

Photo: Paul Sabota, TRG Multimedia