SAVE THE DATE!
SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Rise & Shine with Kiwanis for Kids—Building Leaders, One Child at a Time. Designed to support the Kiwanis mission of improving the world one child and one community at a time, our event will recognize distinguished Akron school educators, celebrate outstanding student and community supporters, and promote impactful youth service leadership clubs throughout Akron-area schools.
Our awards are given to individuals and groups within the Akron community that have had a positive impact on area youth.
The 2025 grant recipients were:
440 Vernon Odom Blvd, Akron, Ohio 44307
The 5th annual Rise & Shine with Kiwanis for Kids breakfast fundraiser will be held at The Akron Urban League. The Akron Urban League is committed to empowering communities and changing lives through advocacy, education, and economic development. It works tirelessly to create opportunities and remove barriers, ensuring everyone has the chance to succeed.
Check them out at online
Our primary goal is to grow and maintain service leadership programs (Builders Clubs) for each public and private middle school in the Greater Akron area. A Builders Club—the largest service organization for middle school students ages 11 to 15—is designed to provide members with opportunities to perform service, build character, and develop leadership. The club is student led, operates under school regulations, and draws its members from the student body. When started at a young age, the service club experience prepares its members to become the most engaged members of their communities—now and in the future.
We know the transition from grade school to middle school can be tough for any adolescent boy or girl. Common challenges children face include dealing with social pressures, making new friends, communicating with teachers, confronting bullies, becoming a positive contributor, bouncing back from failure and disappointments, and learning about the world. With your help, our middle school-aged children will have access to programming and resources that will help them transition into confident young adults.