CommUNITY Lab (CLab) is a comprehensive college transition and success program that offers scholars a network of culturally responsive coordinated care resources at Kent State University.

 

  • Tafari Gabremedhin

    Tafari Gabremedhin

    CommUNITY Lab’s meaning to me lies within the name itself, it's a community. A community of people that go above and beyond, and even put themselves on the line for students to reach goals that we hold dear. There have also been bonds with other students that I have developed because of community lab. I personally appreciate the support on all levels academically and personally from Todd and Amanda.

  • Arlissa McCullough

    Arlissa McCullough

    For me personally having CommUNITY Lab has helped me so much with moving to college and being a way from family. When I have a problem or an issue, I can always count on CommUNITY Lab to help me even if that is just someone to talk to or to get advice or them giving us resources and people that can help us with something on campus. My point is that CommUNITY Lab is more than people to help me when I’m struggling, it's my family and friends that I can count on just like they can count on me.

  • Dianshe Robinson

    Dianshe Robinson

    Community Lab has had a huge impact on my time here at Kent State, it has allowed me to make good friends and lifelong connections. This is a community that always has your back and your best interest at heart. If it wasn't for Community Lab believing in me and my ability to succeed, I probably would be 10 steps behind in reaching and achieving my goals of becoming a physical therapist, but instead it has put me 10 steps ahead. 

CommUNITY Lab was launched in the fall of 2021 to remove financial, academic, and social-emotional barriers to student success for incoming college access students from the Lebron James Family Foundation I PROMISE program, District of Columbia College Access Program (DC-CAP), Say Yes! Cleveland, Upward Bound, and First Star.

Through cross-divisional partnerships, scholars reside together in Lake Hall, learn through co-registered course sections with hand-selected faculty members, plug into campus resources, and co-create individualized achievement plans with dedicated CLab staff.  CommUNITY Lab also provides peer mentorship and signature hands-on learning and development opportunities including service, mentorship, student employment, and immersive travel experiences. 
 

Questions about CommUNITY Lab can be directed to community@kent.edu 

Logo of the NASPA Excellence Award

 

Scholars build self-efficacy, practice their ability to advocate, and establish connections that form the foundation of a healthy and successful Kent State experience.

  • Mental health and wellness coaching provided through individual and group sessions by a licensed counselor.
  • Financial Literacy sessions in partnership with PNC Bank.
  • Tutoring, academic coaching, and academic case management in collaboration with campus partners such as the Academic Success Center, Trio Student Support Services, and Student Success Programs.
  • Co-registered courses with specially selected faculty members from English, Pan-African Studies, and the Career Exploration and Development office.

Scholars explore their own unique passions, skills, and abilities and how they can be applied to have a positive impact on Kent State and beyond. 

  • Volunteer opportunities provided on-campus and throughout the community such as with the Big Brother Big Sister program at King Kennedy Community Center.
  • Immersive travel experiences to learn about different cultures, provide service, and address social justice issues.

Scholars explore future career paths, network with industry professionals, and identify ways of implementing positive change throughout their future careers.

  • Access to Career Academy, a student employment placement and professional development program
  • Dedicated career counselor to assist with career readiness, resume writing and interviewing skills, and internship and job placement.
  • Career and graduate school visits

Scholars learn the importance of giving back to their peers and the KSU community, hold leadership and mentorship roles, and celebrate all they have learned and accomplished.

  • Lab Leader provides paid leadership and mentorship experience within the community.
  • Connections to various on-campus leadership roles such as Peer Success Mentors and Kupita Transiciones (K/T) Mentors.

Currently serving students from the following college access programs:

 

  • The LeBron James Family Foundation Logo
  • DC-CAP College Access Program Logo
  • TRIO Updward Bound Logo
  • First Star Logo

     

  • Say Yes! Cleveland Logo