For twin brothers Brandon and Braxton Moore of Bedford, Ohio, interning with the UI/UX Digital Platform Engineering team at Goodyear headquarters last summer was an experience second to none. And it wouldn’t have been possible without a program designed to increase job readiness training for underserved students called The Goodyear Driving Opportunity Scholars Program.
In June of 2021, the Goodyear Foundation (Goodyear) committed $1.6 million to The University of Akron (UA) to provide full scholarships—covering tuition-and fees—for a group of freshmen that represent a wide range of underrepresented communities in the workplace. They must come from a family facing socioeconomic challenges or be the first member of the family to attend college.
After being accepted into the program, scholars are enrolled in a training and mentoring program that includes pairing with a Goodyear mentor who assists the students with career planning and networking. At UA, they each complete a capstone project, participate in a study abroad program or a service-learning experience, and receive a laptop.
The Moore brothers were part of the first class of scholars that entered UA in 2021.
“My internship experience has given me insight on what a real-world job feels like,” said Brandon, who is a computer science-systems major at UA. “The scholarship has also provided me an opportunity to meet people like the CEO of Goodyear, Rich Kramer. On top of this, every single person at The University of Akron that is associated with the scholarship has gone above and beyond.”
Braxton, also a computer science-systems major, said he was shocked and very grateful when he discovered the perks and benefits of having this scholarship. “I have met people and made relationships with them that will last far longer than my college years.”
Treating interns like family
While interning at Goodyear last summer, Braxton discovered he was surrounded by like-minded people: “It was the Goodyear experience.” He also expressed appreciation for the team at UA, “who help me more than I realize sometimes. It’s like being part of a family.”
Hailing from Brookfield, Wis., scholar Destyn Lee said their experience with the Goodyear Driving Opportunity Scholarship is one of the best things to ever happen to them. “Not only are you given lots of support on whatever troubles you’re facing inside and outside of college, but you are also given lots of different experiences you wouldn’t normally get to have.”
Lee, another computer science-systems major, especially enjoyed touring the Goodyear Headquarters and getting to see the Goodyear Blimp hangar.
During their internship, Lee said they were treated with respect and got to network with many important people. “It’s definitely been quite the exciting journey but, of course, it comes with a lot of hard work as well.”
Making connections
Shareef Awadallah, a native of Green, Ohio, and part of the 2021 cohort said, “The program has opened so many doors for me and introduced UA career services connections into my network, allowing me to improve my public speaking and resume skills.”
Pursuing an international business-foreign language degree, Awadallah found his internship “allowed me to put what I’ve learned into action, as I interacted with dozens of Goodyear associates.”
Beyond funding student activities and scholarships, Goodyear’s funding supports the program coordination, coaching and mentoring that these students need throughout their UA education.
Emeka Obinnakwelu Jr., UA’s Goodyear Driving Opportunity graduate assistant, and Anand Kathardekar, Goodyear peer mentor, assist the scholars with transitioning from high school to college and developing effective study strategies. They help students to set individual and academic goals, and to become more involved on campus.
“It is an honor to assist these outstanding students with their individual and academic goal setting,” said Obinnakwelu. In describing the first class of scholars, he said, “I am proud of the 2021 cohort for not allowing anyone or anything to block their path towards achieving their goals. They truly are a committed, passionate group of students.”
Building a diverse workforce
Richard J. Kramer, Goodyear chairman, CEO and president, said the company is excited to collaborate with The University of Akron to invest in these students’ futures—and in Goodyear’s.
“Inclusive opportunities are needed to build a diverse workforce to help corporations succeed, both today and in the future,” said Kramer. “Driving Opportunity will nurture the growth of underrepresented students as they expand their skills, build a professional network and create a career path.”
UA President Gary L. Miller added, “Goodyear is a dedicated corporate and community partner, and we are deeply grateful for the investments they make in our University and the incredible opportunities they give to our students.”
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