A is for Action - and you'll find it in Akron.

Whether you like to hike or bike, shop, museum hop or hip-hop, college students can do it here. When hard-working settlers began work on the canal here in 1825, their efforts paid off-Akron quickly became known as a smart and innovative city on the new frontier. Akron's reputation grew-in part, on tires- and it's been rolling ever since.

Akron is the urban hub of choice for nearly 70,000 college students. Why? The variety of educational programs is one reason and the job market is another.

Today, scientists create new molecules here; designers produce slick, efficient new instrumentation and controls, and the next generation of NASCAR prototypes are born in Akron. Obviously, this is the right spot for the National Inventors Hall of Fame that doubles as an interactive museum for all ages.

In Akron, you can grab the opportunities that appeal to you, or create some of your own. The city is a multi-faceted gem; there are many ways to shine here.

English major Maggie Sopozhnik put her Kent State education to good use as an intern at the Akron Chamber of Commerce performing research for a workforce development study.

Lindsay Devore and Kyle Boyd both interned at Malone Advertising in downtown Akron. Kyle, a marketing major at University of Akron completed two internships at Malone, one in production and another as an account coordinator placing John Deere print ads. Lindsay, came from Monongahela PA to Kent State's advertising program. Her internship in the media department led to a Malone job as a media coordinator.

But there's much more to Akron than work.

"There's a lot more to do than people realize," says University of Akron senior Sarah Antonucci who is majoring in poly-sci and minoring in international business and Spanish. "We go into downtown Akron for bands and to nearby Highland Square's Angel Falls Coffee Company, Chipotle, and Aladdins. A new favorite place downtown is Crave which is a little more pricey, but the food is amazine. I love their root beer ribs. The speakers series at E.J. Thomas Hall is great. I've already met author Tim O'Brien, Madeline Albright and Ben & Jerry."

Students in the region take advantage of Akron's musical, visual, and performing arts smorgasbord: Akron's own symphony, Museum of Art, and Ohio Ballet are within blocks of the Akron Civic Theatre, which hosts shows ranging from Broadway to the Barenaked Ladies. Akron's artistic flair spills outdoors to the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens to Blossom Music Center, where you can catch a summer symphony or the Zooma Tour.

More casual outdoor shows-80 of them, many free-are at Lock 3 Live! Student bands jam with local and national acts, from reggae to classic rock.

Zipping from show to show-or from shop to hot spot-students can save all over town with the new 'Do Downtown' card (www.downtownakron.com). From bookstores to bistros to the ball field, the bright orange cards offer incentives for having a good time-dollars and cents off to eat, play and shop.

When you're hungry, you'll be glad you're here. West Point Market lures with hand-dipped chocolates and gourmet cheeses, and nothing's quite like Boba's bubble tea. (Just so you'll know, you're supposed to eat the tapioca pearl at the bottom.) When you pull up at a Swensons, roll down your window, quick. Your curb server will sprint to your car to take your order. Ask for "The Best Cheeseburger in America." (That's what Forbes magazine called it.) Accolades aside, Akron's not pretentious. Benches at the downtown farmer's markets are as popular as any restaurant at lunchtime.

It won't take long-maybe an afternoon-for you to realize that Akron offers you the same riches that attracted those first settlers: ripe business opportunities and abundant natural beauty. Whatever suits you, you'll find it here, and you'll fit in here. Students thrive in this mid-sized city called Akron.