Global Ties Akron, The University of Ghana, and Kolena Corporation receive $25,000 grant from the U.S. Embassy Ghana, funded by the U.S. Department of State. Click to Download the PDF
Akron, Ohio, October 20, 2021 – The three partners will use the competitive award to create The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) Global Online Collaboratory Hub (The Hub), which will link Accra, Ghana, Orange County, California, and Akron, Ohio college students.
“For the past 5 years, Global Ties Akron has been deepening city-to-city connections between Akron, Ohio and Accra, Ghana through the Accra-Akron Partnership Board. We are thrilled to receive the U.S. Embassy Ghana Grant to work with The University of Ghana Business School and Kolena, establishing the Global Online Collaboratory Hub.”
– Michelle Wilson, Global Ties Akron Executive Director
The Hub will be at the center of entrepreneurial education and soft skills development via a unique, content-rich technology platform developed by Kolena Corporation to address the needs of UGBS faculty and students. Kolena’s e-learning platform provides entrepreneurs, students, and developing leaders a career advantage with access to employability training materials focused on workforce readiness in an entrepreneurial ecosystem rich environment.
“The University of Ghana Business School is thrilled to have partnered with Kolena and Global Ties Akron to win the grant and implement the online collaborative platform. This ties into the vision of the University of Ghana to raise entrepreneurial leaders that will create jobs for themselves and the larger community. I am particularly excited to be part of this project that provides a new model for training future entrepreneurs to impact the world.”
– Dr. George Acheampong, PhD, UGBS Senior Lecturer/Coordinator Innovation & Incubation Hub Research
The Global Ties-UGBS-Kolena partnership will pilot the program with participants from UGBS, greater Akron area university students, Akron’s BOUNCE Innovation Hub, and Orange County Community Colleges’ Business & Entrepreneurship Sector under the leadership of Dr. Cathleen Greiner, PhD. The project will support The Hub by providing a digital community-based ecosystem for its student entrepreneurs to collaborate, both locally, and globally. Pilot participants will gain real-world practical experience for business skills development, new startup launch, and employability.
The genesis of the Hub began in April 2020 when Dr. George Acheampong, PhD of UGBS, and Tracy Tanner, MBA of Kolena, met at the virtual California Entrepreneurship Educators Conference (CEEC) hosted by San Diego State University’s Lavin Center. Dr. Acheampong shared his need with Ms. Tanner for a community-based technology platform that would bring together students, educators, talent, community, and corporate support to provide thought leadership forums, blogs, and best practices. Their discussion birthed the ideation of the Global Online Collaboratory Hub.
Tanner then connected with colleague Sam DeShazior, Director of Business Retention and Expansion for the City of Akron, Ohio to further brainstorm partnership possibilities. Mr. DeShazior recommended Michelle Wilson of Global Ties Akron join the team to lend her expertise working with the U.S. Department of State International Exchange programs as well the Accra-Akron Partnership Board. Global Ties Akron led the grant writing process and will act as grant administrator.
“Fostering entrepreneurship in Ghana has become a major concern … in recent times. This stems from the consistent rise of unemployment and the government of Ghana’s primary objective of mobilizing domestic revenue in pursuit of its political message.
– “Ghana beyond Aid” 08.05.2020
The core team’s focus is on this crucial challenge defined by the Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment. It also addresses the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Global Goals. Currently, The University of Ghana does not have a global collaborative and experiential approach. By combining the UGBS with the Kolena online learning model, the Hub’s reach will extend across the campus, into the community and worldwide to work with teams, mentors and partners in Akron, Ohio, and Orange County, California.
“Kolena is honored to work with such an esteemed team, inclusive of the inspirational students. … We support you in your journey by closing the digital divide!”
– Tracy Tanner, MBA, Kolena Corporation CEO
ABOUT THE CORE TEAM
The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) is a premier business school in the sub-region focused on developing world-class human resources and capabilities to meet national development needs and global challenges, through quality teaching, learning, research, and knowledge dissemination. UGBS is a member of reputable international networks of business schools such as The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM), and Association of African Business Schools (AABS). UGBS has qualified and experienced faculty who are committed to carrying out research that is relevant for policy, covering a variety of areas including, finance, banking, insurance, accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship, information systems, operations management, human resource management, health services management, and public administration.
Dr. George Acheampong, PhD, UGBS Senior Lecturer, Coordinator Innovation & Incubation Hub Research 233.267.071.793 | gacheampong@gmail.com | https://www.ug.edu.gh
Global Ties Akron programs strengthen academic, corporate, organizational, and personal ties between Northeast Ohio and the World. Since 1976, the organization has been working to help tackle global challenges by fostering relationships through international exchange programs in partnership with the Global Ties U.S. and the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Michelle Wilson, Global Ties Akron, Executive Director | 330.612.4693
globaltiesakron@gmail.com | globaltiesakron.org
Kolena Corporation has a vision to Foster Collaboration One Community At A Time!
Through its dedicated team, Kolena is the bridge for organizations to a more well-rounded, hybrid workforce ecosystem, design-led engagement, and a positive social media impact, ultimately clearing the path to client success.
Kolena does this through the development of digital entrepreneurial communities, effective social media marketing, and customized content development. Let’s partner to make an impact, “One Community at a Time.”
Tracy Tanner, MBA, Kolena Corporation, CEO | 714.931.589
Tracy.Tanner@Kolena.com | kolena.com
We thank the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy Ghana for their support!
Media Contacts:
Global Ties Akron
Michelle Wilson | Executive Director
330.612.4693 | globaltiesakron@gmail.com
globaltiesakron.org
Kolena Corporation
Tracy Tanner, MBA | CEO
Tracy.Tanner@Kolena.com
714.931.589 | kolena.com
Kolena’s e-learning platform provides entrepreneurs, students, and developing leaders a career advantage with access to employability training materials focused on workforce readiness in an entrepreneurial ecosystem-rich environment!
