Five campus initiatives you may not know were helping Cleveland
The holiday season—generally observed from November to January—is a time often marked by generosity and connection, with individuals contributing time, money and other forms of support to those in need across the U.S.
At Case Western Reserve University, students, faculty and staff actively find meaningful ways to give back to the Greater Cleveland community throughout the year—from hosting sports camps that help local youth build life skills to participating in Saturday of Service volunteer activities.
Whether you’re looking to get involved or simply learn more about CWRU’s community impact, here are five initiatives making a difference across Cleveland.
Project STEP-UP
Since 1988, Project Student Tutoring Effort to Promote Utilization of Potential (STEP-UP) has supported local youth through academic enrichment opportunities that have reached thousands of Cleveland students. Today, that mission continues as CWRU students provide tutoring and mentorship to more than 800 Cleveland Metropolitan School District scholars in kindergarten through 12th grade each academic year.
Project STEP-UP’s impact also extends beyond the classroom as CWRU staff members regularly donate books, bags and other essential school supplies to partner schools in East Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods. Under the direction of Janice Eatman Williams, the initiative supplied more than 900 youth and their families with items last summer.
Learn the history of Project STEP-UP.
Cleveland Humanities Collaborative
The Cleveland Humanities Collaborative supports students earning an Associate of Arts degree at Cuyahoga Community College, Lakeland Community College and Lorain County Community College in applying and transferring to CWRU to earn a four-year undergraduate degree in the humanities.
This program also hosts Summer Collaboratory—a two-week research opportunity that offers community college students a stipend, housing and meal allowance—and a summer seminar for faculty, staff, independent scholars, community educators and graduate students to build professional development and teaching skills.
“Through our residential program, community college students are welcomed into campus life, partner with CWRU faculty and staff on meaningful hands-on research and begin to acclimate to the university as they envision their next steps,” said Jamaal Hill (MNO ’24), program manager and associate director.
Find more information about the Cleveland Humanities Collaborative.
Provost Scholars Program
In partnership with the East Cleveland City and Cleveland Metropolitan School Districts, the Provost Scholars Program connects CWRU faculty, staff and students with middle and high school students to promote academic excellence, personal growth and college readiness.
Through one-on-one mentoring, tutoring and enrichment opportunities held on campus, participants gain exposure to university life and build confidence in their academic and career goals. Scholars of the Provost Scholar Program include individuals from H.W. Kirk Middle School, Ginn Academy, Cleveland School of the Arts, and Shaw High School.
Get to know the Provost Scholar Program team.
Milton and Charlotte Kramer Law Clinic
At the Milton and Charlotte Kramer Law Clinic, CWRU law students put their classroom knowledge into practice by providing free legal support to clients who cannot afford their own lawyers. Under the supervision of experienced faculty, students assist these individuals with various legal matters.
Celebrating its 55th year, the Kramer Law Clinic features 10 clinics that specialize in appellate litigation, community development, criminal justice, environmental law, first amendment speech, health law, human trafficking, immigration, intellectual property and second chance reentry.
Explore the Kramer Law Clinic.
School of Dental Medicine Dental Clinic
With nearly 19,000 patients, the School of Dental Medicine Dental Clinic provides Cleveland residents with access to affordable, quality dental services. Located just steps away from the Sheila and Eric Samson Pavilion, the clinic features a three-story, state-of-the-art structure where dental medicine students treat adult and pediatric patients under the supervision of CWRU faculty.
This clinic also hosts its annual “Give Kids a Smile Day” event, which partners with the Greater Cleveland Dental Society to provide free dental care to children from underserved areas and school districts.
