YOUNGSTOWN — Akiva Academy has received grants from the Frances and Lillian Schermer Charitable Trust and the Walter and Caroline Watson Foundation, totaling $35,000.

The Frances and Lillian Schermer Charitable Trust granted $25,000 for the Akiva Enhancement Project. This project will create a new welcome area at the school’s entrance. The new addition to the building will allow for enhanced school security.

This funding will also help Levy Gardens Assisted Living create an outdoor patio space and a connecting path between Akiva and Levy. These additions will allow for ongoing inter-generational programming between Akiva Academy students and Levy Gardens tenants.

The Walter and Caroline Watson Foundation granted $10,000 for the Well-Rounded Education Program. This program allows students to choose fun and unique extracurricular activities that enhance their traditional classes.

Akiva partners with the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown and Students Motivated by the Arts (SMARTS) to offer students art, music, dance, and physical education activities as part of the Well-Rounded program.

Akiva Academy offers K-8 students an academic experience that’s based on collaborative, project-based and technology-driven learning methods. Housed within the Jewish Community Center, Akiva Academy is open to students of all faiths.