CommUNITY Lab

CommUNITY Lab (CLab) is a national award-winning 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 various pipeline programs.

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

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

Service to Self

Service to Others

Passion to Purpose

Leaving a Legacy

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

On-site mental health and wellness coaching provided through individual and group sessions by a licensed mental health counselor
Financial literacy workshops 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, Africana 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 with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the King Kennedy Community Center
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.

Dedicated career counselor to assist with career readiness, resume writing and interviewing skills, and internship and job placement
Career and graduate school visits and educational workshops

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 Leaders provide peer-to-peer mentorship and plan and execute educational and social programming
Connections to various on-campus leadership roles such as Peer Success Mentors and Kupita Transiciones (K/T) Mentors