Rewards Program Helps Power Student Success and Sparks Academic Transformation at an Akron High School

For students at Garfield Community Learning Center (CLC) in Akron, Ohio, the message is clear: Their presence matters. With a strong support system and the right incentives, they are showing up not just for class, but for their futures.

At Garfield CLC, a program supported by FirstEnergy is playing a part in the transformation of school culture and student success with remarkable gains in academic performance, student behavior and overall engagement. 

The Ram Rewards Power Charge Program was launched in the fall of 2023. By meeting expectations such as arriving to class on time, following dress code and using appropriate language, students can earn “Ram Rewards” points. 

FirstEnergy funding supports the software used to track the points, and the items’ points can be redeemed for things like snacks and Garfield-branded clothing. Students also have the option of saving points over time to purchase larger rewards such as tickets to prom and other extracurricular events.  

Watch a video of FirstEnergy Ohio President Torrence Hinton’s recent visit to Garfield CLC.

“Empowering the next generation starts with making sure students have every opportunity to learn, grow, and build a brighter future,” Hinton said. “Witnessing the positive changes at Garfield is truly inspiring.”

Absenteeism surged across the country during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many districts have faced challenges in reversing the trend, but Garfield CLC has seen great success recently, thanks in part to The Ram Rewards Power Charge Program. In just two years, the school has achieved a remarkable reduction in chronic absenteeism – cutting rates by more than 10% and far exceeding the State of Ohio’s goal for the school of a 1.8% decrease.

As attendance has increased, administrators have also seen a dramatic reduction in behavioral issues. Suspensions have nearly been cut in half, which means students were present for nearly 4,000 more instructional hours by the midpoint of the 2024-2025 year than the last school year. 

Perhaps most importantly, quarterly assessment scores have improved across all grade levels, and Principal Kathryn Rodocker says more students are on track to graduate this year. 

Watch a video showing the success of the Power Charge program on FirstEnergy’s YouTube channel.

“The data speaks for itself, but the real impact is in the energy and enthusiasm we see in our students,” says Rodocker. “School culture is transforming, and students are taking pride in being a Ram.”

Rodocker says Garfield’s success proves that a comprehensive approach – one that combines incentives, mentorship, community involvement and collaborations with local businesses – can create meaningful change.  

“From staffing to business partners, there are a lot of pieces and parts that we’ve worked hard to align for the benefit of our students, and I think we finally have our resources where we need them,” she said.