The Workforce Behind the Workforce

Join civic, business, philanthropic, education, and government leaders for an immersive afternoon exploring how strategic investment in child care is strengthening Summit County’s economy, its employers, and its families.

This is a curated, invitation-only experience. RSVP required.

Date

October 27, 2026

Location

United Way of Summit & Medina

Time

12:30 - 4:30 PM

Thank you to our generous sponsors

Building the Workforce by Strengthening Child Care

A strong child care system is fundamental to a thriving economy. It enables parents to participate in the workforce, supports employers in attracting and retaining talent, strengthens local businesses, and creates better outcomes for children and families.

Summit County is demonstrating how strategic investments, innovative partnerships, and collective leadership can transform the child care ecosystem into a powerful driver of workforce stability and long-term economic vitality. The Workforce Behind the Workforce connects community leaders with the people, partnerships, and investments strengthening Summit County’s child care system, through guided site visits, local data, and conversations with providers, families, employers, and community partners.

During the Roadshow, you'll:

  • Tour innovative child care and early learning programs
  • See how strategic investments improve provider sustainability
  • Hear candid perspectives from providers on successes and challenges
  • Experience Akron’s Unified Early Learning System and Barberton’s coordinated approach
  • Explore the connection between child care, workforce participation, and economic mobility
  • Engage in dialogue on workforce development and public policy
  • Identify opportunities for collaboration and investment

Welcome & Closing Location

United Way of Summit & Medina

37 North High Street | Akron, OH 44308

Free parking at the rear of the building, 70 N. Broadway St. — enter through the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza.

What To Expect

Two Site Visits

Akron Area YMCA Hope Center (Workforce Stabilization in Action) and Crowned Crayons in Barberton (Building a Unified Early Learning System).

Welcome & Closing Location

United Way of Summit & Medina — Mandel Community Center at The Sojourner Truth Building

Dialogue & Data

Hear from providers, educators, employers, and families, and explore workforce and ALICE data on the economic impact of child care access.

Schedule

12:30 PM

Welcome & Framing

United Way of Summit & Medina

1:15 PM
Site Visit #1 — Workforce Stabilization in Actio

Akron Area YMCA Hope Center

2:20 PM
Site Visit #2 — Building a Unified Early Learning System

Crowned Crayons, Barberton

3:30 PM
Closing Conversation & Call to Action

United Way of Summit & Medina

4:30 PM
Adjourn

Reserve Your Spot

This invitation-only roadshow is limited to approximately 40–50 leaders. RSVP to confirm your place.

Questions? Contact Alicia Robinson, Senior Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships, Summit Education Initiative — ARobinson@seisummit.org