In a city built on rubber and reinvention, Dominique Waters is stepping into Akron, Ohio’s industrial legacy with a bold vision: connect STEM education to sneaker culture to reach underserved youth. As founder of the Akron Sneaker Academy, Waters has launched a nonprofit program that blends design, science and innovation—all through the lens of one of the most powerful cultural symbols for today’s youth: the sneaker.
Waters, a Central State University graduate and Akron native, founded the academy in early 2024, following years of experience in the luxury fashion industry. His resume includes experience with top brands such as Louis Vuitton and Burberry, as well as mentorship from the late fashion icon Virgil Abloh. But it was his return to Akron and desire to create a meaningful local impact that sparked the idea for the academy.
Vision
“We use sneaker culture as a culturally relevant tool to teach STEM and entrepreneurship,” Waters told Black Enterprise in a May 2025 interview. “I wanted to create an ecosystem for underserved youth to see how sneakers connect to science and innovation.”
At Akron Sneaker Academy (ASA), students dive into the technical and creative aspects of sneaker development. Programming includes lessons on materials science, industrial design, biomechanics and even 3D printing. Students learn how sneaker components—such as foam, rubber, textiles and synthetic polymers—come together through scientific processes and engineering principles.
The organization also integrates social-emotional learning (SEL) into its curriculum. Through its “SOLE-cial” Emotional Learning model, students explore self-awareness, teamwork, communication and decision-making—using sneaker parts like the sole, tongue and heel as creative metaphors. This holistic approach prepares students not just academically, but personally and professionally.
Impact
Since its launch, ASA has reached over 800 students through hands-on workshops, summer camps and school-based programs. Collaborations with local institutions, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio, Akron Public Schools and Goodyear’s annual STEM Day, have helped expand the academy’s reach. Waters emphasizes that these partnerships make the curriculum more accessible and impactful.
A standout event in the academy’s early history was the “Seoul, Soul, Sole” experience, which brought together community leaders, athletes and artists to celebrate sneaker culture while spotlighting student work. NFL players Jerome Baker and Justin Layne made appearances, along with artists and Nike executives, signaling strong support for ASA’s mission.
Looking ahead, Waters is planning a five-year expansion that includes the development of a Global Innovation Center for sneaker design and STEM learning, based in Akron. “Our goal is to build something that empowers students locally while setting a national model for innovation education,” he said in an interview with Spectrum News 1.
Waters hopes the academy can help students reshape their views on both science and their future careers. “We want them to know that their interests—whether it’s sneakers, fashion or sports—can be a starting point for exploring real, impactful careers in STEM,” he added.
To learn more about the Akron Sneaker Academy or support its mission, visit akronsneakeracademy.org.
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