Open Doors Academy

06/16/2026

When our Cleveland summer camp started last week, some scholars arrived excited. Some arrived nervous. Some were already thinking about field trips. One was confident they were about to make new friends.

And one elementary scholar wanted everyone to know:

“We’re the luckiest kids to be alive in Cow’s Class. Oh, and what’s a tree’s favorite store? Dollar Tree.”

Summer camp is officially underway at Open Doors Academy, and we can’t wait to see what the next few weeks bring.

06/12/2026

Congratulations to High School Coordinator Jazmine Dowdley on being named one of Engage! Cleveland's “26 Professionals You Need to Know in 2026.”

When we asked what the recognition means to her, Jazmine immediately focused on the opportunities it could create for ODA scholars:

“I’m hoping it broadens our scope as an organization because once people see where I work and the scholars I get to connect with, they’re going to be excited to connect with the scholars.”

We’re proud to see Jazmine recognized for the relationships she builds and the opportunities she helps create for ODA scholars every day. Congratulations, Jazmine!

06/09/2026

For our Mansfield families!
Mansfield City School District

We have an exciting announcement! In partnership with Open Doors Academy, we're offering a summer camp for students going into 3rd grade up to entering 6th.

will be a fun, safe space for students to explore how they will help shape the world in the future through design, technology, and character!

See below for how to enroll! 👇

06/05/2026

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.

06/03/2026

"This is me - unfinished but real.” - Randy O.

In a video created by our Max S. Hayes High School coordinator Celia Schoenfeld and her scholars, they recently shared powerful “I Am” poems, reflecting on who they are, where they come from, what they carry, and who they are growing into. Through honest writing and spoken word, scholars explored identity, struggle, strength, and self-discovery.

“I am still here.” - Devon T.

We are proud of the courage our scholars showed in using their voices and telling their stories.

05/29/2026

At Lima North MS, scholars showed visitors just how much they learned over six weeks in the Wheel Deal program, a partnership between Open Doors Academy, The Wheelhouse - A Christian Bicycle Cooperative, and City of Lima, OH - Government focused on bicycle safety, knowledge, and repair.

Tristan, a sixth grader from Lima North, demonstrated how to straighten a wheel using a spoke wrench. “You need to loosen that spoke that’s pointing that way, and then tighten the spoke that’s pointing the opposite way,” he explained.

Nearby, Olivia and Samuela walked visitors through fixing a flat tire, from removing the wheel and locating the puncture to checking the tire strip and making sure the tube was not pinched before putting everything back together.

For program co-founder Larry Cress, one of the most meaningful moments was watching a scholar who could not ride a bike at the start of the program confidently riding just weeks later. “You could see her confidence build each week,” he said.

That confidence was on full display throughout the showcase as scholars repaired bikes, explained their work to visitors, and supported one another along the way. The experience ended outside with hand signals, safety practice, and new bikes scholars will take home for the summer.

05/27/2026

For four years, Devon T. and his mom, Teairra Idom, found more than a program at Open Doors Academy. They found a family.

When Devon first joined ODA at Max S. Hayes High School, Teairra says he was shy and kept to himself. Over time, she watched him grow into someone more confident, social, and comfortable being exactly who he is.

“The people” were Devon’s favorite part of ODA. For Teairra, it was the sense of community. From family gatherings and holiday celebrations to seeing scholars from different schools come together and connect, ODA became a place where both of them felt supported and cared for.

During a recent family activity, Teairra created an art piece centered around the word “love.” She shared that everyone deserves love, support, and a place where they feel seen and heard. Her artwork reflected the same message she hopes people take away from ODA: community matters, kindness matters, and everybody needs a hug sometimes.

Thank you, Devon and Teairra, for sharing your hearts with us. We are so proud of the growth, joy, and memories you created during your time at ODA.

05/22/2026

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!

05/20/2026

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.

05/14/2026

Pennies, nickels, and paper piggy banks turned into conversations about future possibilities.

This spring, volunteers from Third Federal visited Open Doors Academy elementary sites to lead hands-on financial literacy lessons that helped scholars connect saving, decision-making, and entrepreneurship.

What started with identifying coins quickly grew into scholars brainstorming business ideas, calculating savings goals, and imagining what they could build for themselves and their communities.

“I was impressed with the children in the class,” said Amy Garcia, Community Development Service Manager at Third Federal at Third Federal. “They learned to identify pennies, dimes, quarters, nickels, and dollar bills. They rhymed words, the importance of savings, and in the final class, came up with a business concept to earn funds for a toy they would like to purchase.”

Thank you to the team at Third Federal for investing their time, knowledge, and encouragement into our scholars and helping them build skills that will support their futures both inside and outside the classroom.