On September 8, The Academy for Urban Scholars High School officially opened its Toledo Campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1853 South Ave. The event brought together students, families, staff, community leaders, and partners. As a result, the celebration marked an important milestone in expanding opportunities for Toledo Youth.
This new location also represents the sixth AUS High School campus in Ohio. In addition, the ribbon-cutting highlighted the school’s commitment to academic excellence, career readiness, and family support.
We’re honored that The Blade was on site to capture this moment and share the story with the broader community. Read their full article below, with the original story available here.
The Blade’s Coverage
(Reposted with permission. Originally published by Melissa Burden with The Blade on September 8, 2025)
Academy for Urban Scholars High School opens new Toledo campus
The Academy for Urban Scholars High School celebrated the opening of its sixth campus in Ohio on Monday.
Located on the Bethel Lutheran Church on South Avenue, the new school joins AUS campuses in Columbus, Canton, and Youngstown.
Founded by John and Pamela Gregory in 2009, the community schools are meant to offer an alternative to traditional high schools.
“We had a passion 16 years ago to start a school that would help to change the community and give opportunities to kids,” Mrs. Gregory said. “We meet the students where they are at and provide wrap-around services to them. They will all have a success coach who will help identify barriers to the student’s graduation. They will help students overcome those obstacles.”
The couple founded AUS and its parent organization, the National Center for Urban Solutions, headquartered in Columbus. They also founded the African American Male Wellness Agency and NCUS TEC, a technical career college.
Mrs. Gregory said they started the school in order to help students rise out of poverty. Many students at the school are high school dropouts.
“They may have had to take care of a parent or a sibling and left school,” Mrs. Gregory said. “There may have been a social/emotional aspect as to why they left their school. Our coaches will help resolve those issues, help them with coping skills, and help them graduate. We are giving students the opportunity to change the trajectory of their lives. We are a school that cares.”
AUS is a tuition-free public charter school and career technical education provider. It combines academic instruction with hands-on training.
“I’m incredibly excited about the future of our scholars,” said Kimberly Scribner, director of the school. “At AUS, we’re offering a public-school education with a private school experience. This is more than a high school; it’s a launchpad for their future.”
Perry Gregory, president of NCUS TEC said, in addition to meeting state academic standards, the Toledo campus will provide students with access to career pathways in high-demand fields, including health care, information technology, logistics, construction, and advanced manufacturing.
“Our school has work-based learning and internships,” Mr. Gregory said. “Every student will graduate with industry certifications so they can go on to work or college. It is a proven model that has worked for over 15 years.”
Ms. Scribner, a graduate of Scott High School, has a bachelor’s degree in education from Lourdes University and a master’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University.
She said she believes her hometown roots will help her relate to students.
“We are here to give students the strength, vision, and power to rise again,” Ms. Scribner said. “This is a safe place. Every scholar deserves a path forward. Adults who did not graduate can also come here as well and get a degree.”
Tom Burden, originally from Celina, Ohio, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Mr. Burden attended Tri Star Career Compact. He went on to graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toledo while working as a member of the Air National Guard, where he worked as an F-16 weapons mechanic at the 180th Fighter Wing in Toledo.
“I was having problems keeping my tools from slipping while working on aircraft,” Mr. Burden said. “I invented the Grypmat, a tool mat that grips surfaces and holds tools.”
Mr. Burden took his invention to Shark Tank in 2017 and made a deal with Lori Greiner, Richard Branson, and Mark Cuban for $360,000 in exchange for 30 percent equity in his company.
“I went to a school like AUS and then went on to UT and started a business,” Mr. Burden said. “My career tech school ended up having a ripple effect on my life. These kids are in great hands.”
Ms. Scribner said the school accepts students between “14 and 99 years of age.” The school currently has 21 students with more coming.
“We have an adult high school and a traditional school for freshmen to seniors,” Ms. Scribner said. “It is not too late for anyone to graduate.”
The school will accept students throughout the year. For more information, visit ausohio.com.
First Published September 8, 2025, 3:40 p.m.
Source:
Originally published by The Blade. View the original article here.
