Our mission is to shape the next generation of innovators—one sneaker at a time.
The Akron Sneaker Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
We exist to reimagine how we engage youth, especially those furthest from opportunity—in STEM, entrepreneurship, and social-emotional learning through the cultural lens of sneakers.
Learn. Innovate. Sneak Ahead.
Support our growth
Check your "LACES"
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Literacy
Storytelling through sneaker design, marketing pitches, and digital literacy where youth learn to research and present their ideas effectively.
By exploring the business side of sneakers (e.g., marketing, branding, and retail), youth gain an understanding of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and the steps to bring ideas to market.
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Arts & Culture
From graphic design for sneakers to music or dance that expresses creativity, this element encourages students to explore artistic expression as a vital part of innovation.
Teaching youth about cultural history and the influence of sneakers in fashion, sports, and global movements.
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Engineering & Science
Exploring the science behind materials, biomechanics, and environmental sustainability in the sneaker industry. Youth investigate how science is essential to product development, performance, and sustainability.
They apply real-world engineering skills in a fun, relevant way.
“SOLE-cial” Emotional Learning
How it all ties together
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SOLE - This teaches youth how to show empathy towards others.
We think of this as “putting yourself in their shoes”
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HEEL- We allow youth to discover what their “triggers” are and how past trauma can have an impact on who they are today.
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LACES - The one part of a sneaker that is under your control.
Youth learn how to take charge of their emotions and the importance of self-regulation.
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TOE - By understanding what the future holds, youth are encouraged to make smart decisions.
These decisions will have a positive impact on their tomorrow.
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TONGUE - We help youth strengthen their communication skills.
We make the aware of both positive and negative self-talk an our words have power.
Dominique Waters- founder of the Akron Sneaker Academy
“There is a wealth of talent in the hearts and minds of our young people, especially those from marginalized communities. As a kid from the inner-city, sneakers were a form of empowerment, they made me believe I could achieve anything.”
Upcoming events
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Boys and Girls Club Northeast Ohio
“Solecial”-Emotional Workshops
We’re thrilled to launch a 6-week SEL workshop at BGCNEO Broadway, where we’ll connect sneaker brands to key elements of personal growth and social-emotional learning for our youth.
February 11, 18, 25.
March 4, 11, 18.
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Young Entrepreneurship Institute CYE 2025
We’re excited to partner with the Youth Entrepreneur Institute as a guest facilitator for the Sneaker Pitch Challenge—engaging over 100 high school students in an innovative entrepreneurship experience with a STEM twist!
March 10, 2025
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Goodyear STEM Day
Akron Sneaker Academy is proud to serve as a community facilitator for Goodyear’s Annual STEM Day! We’ll immerse middle school attendees in the exciting world of Sneaker Science & Innovation, blending creativity with cutting-edge STEM concepts.
April 5, 2025
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Girl Scouts Northeast Ohio
Akron Sneaker Academy (ASA) is proud to partner with Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio to deliver a custom 4-day camp experience designed to introduce 4th–7th grade girls to high-demand careers in healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, and polymers through hands-on, sneaker-based learning.
With support from the Polymer Industry Cluster, this workshop will fuse culturally relevant education with real-world applications, exposing girls to new possibilities through creativity, science, and design.
June 23 - 26, 2025.
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Sneaker Summer Camp
We’re thrilled to launch our 2nd Annual Sneaker Summer Camp in partnership with Akron Public Schools and Youth Success Summit (YSS)!
Our flagship three-week program offers an unforgettable learning experience, where middle school students from our community will come together to tackle real-world challenges—all rooted in their passion for sneakers, innovation, and problem-solving.
July 7 - 25 , 2025
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Sole of Akron
The Sole of Akron Forum is a powerful community conversation that explores the intersection of sneaker culture, innovation, and Akron’s rich history. From Chuck Taylor’s legacy to the rise of LeBron James' signature line, this forum celebrates Akron’s undeniable influence on footwear and design.
We’ll highlight local pioneers, iconic brands like PF Flyers and Lucky Shoes, and examine how our city’s foundation of creativity and community can shape the future—especially in connection to the growing Polymer Industry.
This is more than a conversation—it’s a call to honor our past and step boldly into the future.
September 9th.
“Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself”
— Virgil Abloh
Learn. Innovate. Sneak Ahead.
Sneaker Digital Design
Sneaker Culture Exploration
During Sneaker Camp, we took a trip to House Three-Thirty to visit the historic LeBron Home Court museum. There is no better way to immerse our youth in Sneaker Culture than an homage to the “kid from Akron” himself.
Our vision is to transform Akron from the “Rubber Capital of the World”, to the “Sneaker Capital of the World.”
This is where youth, culture, innovation, and industry collide.
Meet our Board
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President & CEO Akron Marathon Corporation
"I’m thrilled to join the board of the Akron Sneaker Academy. Sneakers are the key to movement and possibility, supporting every step. Together, we’ll help inspire the next generation to move further and with more confidence, unlocking their full potential."
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Executive Director Summit County Continuum of Care
"I am happy to be a founding board member of the Akron Sneaker Academy because it uniquely blends the science of shoe anatomy with the art of personal growth. The Academy's focus on polymers not only ignites curiosity and technical knowledge but also addresses social and emotional education, empowering youth with both practical skills and resilience."
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Urban Extension Education Ohio State Univerisity Extension
"I love sneakers because while they have utility and can get you from place to place, on the track, field, or court, they also present an opportunity to tell a story and outwardly express your story to others. Excited for ASA use this medium to talk about science and story with students. "
Sneaker Science
One of the highlights of Sneaker Camp was having our youth explore in-depth a pair of their used sneakers. We wanted to show them all the materials that make sneaker function and perform from foam, plastic, cotton and rubber.
We also tested our sneakers durability, flexibility and sustainability. This was a great hands-on learning experience and they were excited to be experts for the day!
Akron, Ohio-The Birthplace of Sneaker Culture
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1905
The Goodyear Rubber Company started production of rubber soles and heels.
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1911
Miller, Hess & Co. was incorporated and then included Highland Shoe Co. wholesale division in Akron, Ohio.
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1933
B.F Goodrich patented ‘“posture foundation” insole, adding a new technology to its shoe the P.F Flyer.
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1934
Charles “Chuck” Taylor was made the godfather of basketball signature shoes when Converse added his name to its sneaker. He played for the “Akron Firestone Non-Skids”
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1955
Founded in 1914, Lucky Shoes opened the first high-quality shoe store in Fairlawn, Ohio.
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2003
The NBA's all-time leading scorer and Akron, Ohio Native LeBron James launches his signature “Air Zoom Generation” shoe after signing a 90 million dollar contract with Nike.
What is your favorite Sneaker?
Working with youth from First Glance located in Kenmore is a blast! They bring so much joy and excitement to each workshop. I challenged them to tell me what their favorite sneaker is, you will love their responses.
Sneaker Values
Education
We empower youth by providing transformative educational experiences that open doors to endless possibilities in STEAM and beyond.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of collaboration, working with community partners to foster growth and shared prosperity for Akron and its people.
Sustainability
We champion innovative and sustainable practices, aiming to shape a future where creativity and responsibility come together to impact industry and community.
