Barberton Community Foundation-Supported Polymer Pathways Learning Model Builds Student Interest and Career Opportunities

Barberton, Ohio — What began as an ambitious workforce development partnership is quickly becoming a growing career pipeline for Barberton students.

Barberton High School’s Polymer Pathway is expanding after a successful inaugural year that connected students to hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and real-world career opportunities in the region’s growing polymer and advanced manufacturing sector.

During the Mission Moment opening of the Barberton Community Foundation Board of Directors meeting on May 21, 2026, Barberton High School Polymer Program instructor Rick Cardinal, who was joined by student Nate Herbert, shared that enrollment in the program has already grown from 13 students in its first year to 22 students registered for next year. The growth comes as Barberton High School prepares to open a dedicated polymer lab this fall featuring an injection molding machine, heat press equipment, and additional industry-focused learning tools.

The program also recently celebrated one of its first major workforce milestones. A graduating Barberton High School senior accepted a position with Akron Rubber Development Laboratory (ARDL) and will begin his career days after graduation.

“This is exactly the type of intentional career pathway work we hoped to create,” said Barberton Community Foundation Executive Director Josh Gordon. “We are helping students connect classroom learning to real career opportunities while strengthening long-term workforce development in our region.”

Barberton Community Foundation helped support the Polymer Pathway through a broader career pathway and workforce development strategy that is designed to introduce students to polymer-related careers early and build interest over time through hands-on experiences, employer partnerships, and exposure to the industry at every grade level.

The initiative now includes programming at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels and continues to expand through collaboration among Barberton City Schools, industry partners, higher education institutions, and regional workforce organizations.

Barberton City Schools Assistant Superintendent and Barberton Community Foundation Board Member Michael Andric said the district’s growing polymer pathway already extends beyond the high school classroom through hands-on activities for younger students, partnerships with local employers, and a polymer-focused children’s book written by Barberton Community Foundation fund representative and donor Conrad Storad that will be incorporated into local elementary classrooms.

“The Polymer Pathway reflects what is possible when education, industry, and community partners align around a shared vision for students and long-term economic opportunity,” Andric said during the meeting.

In other business, Barberton Community Foundation shared that applications for its second 2026 grant cycle closed May 15. This cycle focuses on Education, Workforce Development, and Basic Needs funding priorities, with approximately $500,000 in requests submitted for review, an amount that exceeds the dollars available to grant. The Grants Committee will review applications in June, with recommendations expected to move to the Board of Directors in July.

Board members also accepted the Foundation’s 2025 independent audit, which resulted in a clean, unmodified opinion—the highest level of assurance provided through the annual independent audit process. Auditors reported no significant issues or concerns and noted that approximately 85% of the Foundation’s expenses directly supported grants, scholarships, programs, and community impact initiatives. That level of mission-focused investment reflects a lean operational model and places Barberton Community Foundation among the strongest-performing foundations. Many peer foundations typically dedicate between 75% and 85% of expenses to programming and related impact work.

The Board of Directors also approved an updated Investment Policy Statement and approved Lynne Holcomb as a member of the Board of Directors Emeritus.

Additional updates shared during the meeting included continued momentum around downtown revitalization investments, early learning partnerships, leadership development initiatives, and community engagement efforts.

Board members also announced that nominations are now open for Barberton Community Foundation’s 2026 Game Changer Award and the newly established Blooming Impact Award. The Blooming Impact Award will recognize one up and coming leader in Barberton, age 35 or younger, who demonstrates initiative, resolve, and momentum through service, leadership, innovation, or community involvement.

Barberton Community Foundation continues to focus its strategic work around four key priorities: early learning, career pathways, downtown revitalization, and basic needs.

To learn more about Barberton Community Foundation, visit barbertoncf.org.

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About Barberton Community Foundation

Established in 1996, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded over 8,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $109 million since its inception. The Foundation strives to improve, now and forever, the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs. To read more about Barberton Community Foundation, visit www.barbertoncf.org or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/barbertoncommunityfoundation.