What is WIP?

"Building Bridges to Possibilities"

Working In Progress is a non-profit social service agency that provides a transition Plan (TP) for disadvantaged African-American youth, 12 to 18 years of age. Some youth may come from low-incoming homes in the Akron urban area. The TP plan prepares and enables students to make the transition from the world of school to the world of adulthood.

Transition Planning can include instruction in the dynamics of basic financial practices (understanding your credit report, check book, savings and checking account, how to pay your bills and where to pay them, etc.) college prepartion, home buying, entrepreneurship, meeting the need for independent living (if appropriate), mentorship, volunteering in their own community, workforce development, the acquistion of daily living skills and Reality check participation where they encounter real life issues.

Our staff will work with schools, educators, local businesses, community partners, churches, and local service providers to close the communication, employment and educational gap. By providing a transition plan that links all these areas of support, our students will be more aware of all the resources and opportunites available to them. 

"We believe that making the connection between learning and earning
is the key to developing our future workforce and entrepreneurs."