At Cleveland Middle School, a group of students recently turned their STEM learning into an act of compassion and service. Students in Coach Derek Morris’ STEM class partnered with students in the school’s ERC classroom to help solve a daily challenge faced by some of their peers. Together, they designed and created adaptive tools to help students who use wheelchairs open doors more easily throughout the school. What began as a classroom project quickly became something much more meaningful. STEM students worked alongside their classmates to better understand their needs, then applied problem solving and engineering skills to create practical tools that improve accessibility around campus. The collaboration allowed students to see firsthand how innovation can make a real difference in the lives of others. “This project represents the very best of what learning can look like,” said Nat Akiona, principal of Cleveland Middle School. “Our students saw a need, worked together, and used their creativity and STEM skills to help their classmates. I am incredibly proud of their compassion and the way they stepped up to support one another.” Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools for Cleveland City Schools, said the project reflects the kind of character and leadership the district hopes to develop in every student. “Our students are not only developing important STEM skills, they are learning empathy, collaboration, and how to serve their community,” Elliott said. “When students use their knowledge and creativity to help others, that is learning at its very best.” The experience strengthened relationships between students across classrooms and showed how powerful collaboration can be when students are encouraged to think creatively and care for one another. Moments like these reflect the heart of Cleveland City Schools’ mission to develop students who are capable, compassionate, and committed to making their community stronger. At Cleveland City Schools, we are proud to see our students living out what it means to be Building Champions and Building Community.

Cleveland Middle School Students Use STEM to Serve Classmates

Cleveland City Schools

March 16, 2026

At Cleveland Middle School, a group of students recently turned their STEM learning into an act of compassion and service.

Students in Coach Derek Morris’ STEM class partnered with students in the school’s ERC classroom to help solve a daily challenge faced by some of their peers. Together, they designed and created adaptive tools to help students who use wheelchairs open doors more easily throughout the school.

What began as a classroom project quickly became something much more meaningful.

STEM students worked alongside their classmates to better understand their needs, then applied problem solving and engineering skills to create practical tools that improve accessibility around campus. The collaboration allowed students to see firsthand how innovation can make a real difference in the lives of others.

“This project represents the very best of what learning can look like,” said Nat Akiona, principal of Cleveland Middle School. “Our students saw a need, worked together, and used their creativity and STEM skills to help their classmates. I am incredibly proud of their compassion and the way they stepped up to support one another.”

Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools for Cleveland City Schools, said the project reflects the kind of character and leadership the district hopes to develop in every student.

“Our students are not only developing important STEM skills, they are learning empathy, collaboration, and how to serve their community,” Elliott said. “When students use their knowledge and creativity to help others, that is learning at its very best.”

The experience strengthened relationships between students across classrooms and showed how powerful collaboration can be when students are encouraged to think creatively and care for one another.

Moments like these reflect the heart of Cleveland City Schools’ mission to develop students who are capable, compassionate, and committed to making their community stronger.

At Cleveland City Schools, we are proud to see our students living out what it means to be Building Champions and Building Community.