APPLY NOW FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR!

Generous financial commitments from the Parker Hannifin Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, Samuel H. and Maria Miller Foundation, and The Howley Foundation were provided to establish the Cleveland State University Living Learning Community.

Through the Cleveland State University Living Learning Community, a limited number of Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) graduates will receive free room and board and support services for their first two years of study at Cleveland State University, as part of the Say Yes to Education program.

This initiative creates an innovative living and learning community that will advance our ability to deliver the kind of on-campus experience that will assist students in graduating on time and with the skills needed to have a successful career in their field of choice.

The program has been developed to provide students with a residential experience that integrates academic support, leadership training, mentorship and experiential learning. The unique features of the program include a residential curriculum, graduation coaching model and comprehensive wrap around services. Team Based Student Support Model 

About the Program

The Cleveland State University Living Learning Community (CSU LLC) will assist students with how to successfully navigate their way to and through higher education as well as facilitate intentional and in-depth communication and understanding among students of diverse backgrounds and identities. Students will experience how to be accountable to their inclusive community. The community engages in strengths-based practices to identify and/or confirm the educational pathway that best suits their abilities. 

The CSU LLC will focus on leadership development and career exploration. 

We are building a community of learners here at CSU through our Graduation Success Coaching Model, our Living Learning Communities, and our Summer Bridge Enrichment Experience. This document shares a bit of background information, shares why and who we serve, and discusses a few signature features of these initiatives.

Curriculum Guide

Program Mission and Vision

MISSION: To ensure a quality student experience by establishing improved systemic access to student supports that will result in equitable educational opportunities and increased persistence and retention rates.
VISION: To produce global leaders who are ambassadors for access and opportunity.

Access and Opportunity Mission

Program Goals & Objectives

• Personal Growth and Development 
  Meet with your graduation coach once per week via email, text or face to face.
   
• Curriculum and Student Development 
  Attend all scheduled classes, maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.
   
• Structured Out of Class Activities 
  Attend weekly two-hour co-curricular study sessions or social activities that include tutoring, personal growth activities and campus life adaptation.
   
• Program Partnerships 
  Attend all activities scheduled by external partners and participate in external partner surveys related to exploring options for careers that follow your interest and projected career needs.

Howley Scholars Program Information

Eligibility

To be considered for the CSU LLC, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a Cleveland Metropolitan School District Say Yes Scholarship recipient
2. Apply for admission, be accepted and commit to enroll full time at Cleveland State University
3. If you are invited to join the CSU LLC, you will be asked to sign a commitment to participate for your first two years at CSU.
4. Once accepted into the CSU LLC, selected students will meet once a week for participation in leadership development and career exploration related activities

Questions? Email Nicholas Petty at n.petty@csuohio.edu. 

LLC's In the News: 

Cleveland State's Living Learning Community looks to expand with extra help - Spectrum News

CSU's Living Learning Communities: Student Opportunity, Empowerment - Cleveland State University

CSU summer program helps incoming freshmen - WEWS

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