Rep. Sykes: State, local partnership helps connect Akron residents with economic opportunities

State Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) recently recognized the 10 graduates of the first ever Drive for Success program in Akron. Established jointly by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Akron Summit County Action Agency (ASCA), Drive for Success helps provide individuals with the opportunity to attain career readiness skills in the construction industry.

“The Drive for Success program is a marvelous example of how effective partnerships between the state and local communities can help expand access to economic opportunities for our residents,” said Sykes. “By providing these graduates with the training they need to enter and find success in the workforce, we are investing in their future as well as the future growth of our regional economy.”

The intensive five-week training course, which included behind-the-wheel commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, was made possible through a $50,000 allocation from the state that Rep. Sykes worked diligently to help secure. At the graduation ceremony last week, the Akron lawmaker presented each graduate with a commendation recognizing the valuable skills they have attained and congratulating them on their success.