Learning Communities: Two Outstanding Options

FreshStart Learning Community 

Step into the ‘FreshStart Learning Community,’ a specialized initiative by the Office of Multicultural Development (OMD) tailored for all college freshmen, with a particular focus on those who didn't achieve the high school GPA they aspired to. Crafted to build a robust foundation for academic success, FreshStart embraces a holistic approach to student development. Here, we foster an environment that recognizes and values assorted backgrounds and experiences in a multicultural setting. Through mentorship, collaborative learning, and a commitment to personal growth, FreshStart aims to empower students for a successful transition into their college journey. 

Join us at FreshStart, where we create a path for a vibrant, culturally rich, and thriving academic experience anchored in a commitment to inclusive excellence through a variety of perspectives. FreshStart invites students with any high school GPA, emphasizing a commitment to a solid beginning in college. Applicants must demonstrate a serious dedication to their FreshStart journey. Open to individuals from all majors.


Benefits of the FreshStart LC:

  • Interact with leadership, faculty, staff and mentors across campus and in the greater Akron community.
  • Receive individualized support from the OMD staff.
  • Participate in a service-learning project in the greater Akron community .
  • Participate in a Study Table program to promote academic success.
  • Benefit from potential financial assistance provided by generous donors each semester you are enrolled in the program Higher matriculation and graduation rates.  
     

Who’s Eligible? 

The FreshStart Learning Community is open to any college freshman eager to begin their academic journey, regardless of high school GPA, from any major, and who shows a genuine commitment to maximizing their FreshStart experience.


How Do I Join the FreshStart LC? 

Please complete the LC Interest Form today!


Contact Information: 

Justin Wilhite 
Associate Director of Student Culture and Belonging 
jwilhite@uakron.edu
(330) 972-4247


First to Go Learning Community

Step into the ‘First to Go Learning Community,’ a specialized initiative by the Office of Multicultural Development (OMD) at The University of Akron, designed specifically for first-generation college students. These are students who are the first in their families to attend a college or university, paving the way for future generations. This program is crafted to build a robust foundation for academic success, embracing a holistic approach to student development. We foster an environment that recognizes and values varied backgrounds and experiences in a multicultural setting. Through mentorship, collaborative learning, and a commitment to personal growth, First to Go aims to empower students for a successful transition into their college journey.

First to Go is dedicated to creating a path for a vibrant, culturally rich, and thriving academic experience anchored in a commitment to inclusive excellence through a variety of perspectives. We invite first-generation college students from all majors, emphasizing a commitment to a solid beginning in college. Applicants must demonstrate a serious dedication to their First to Go journey.


Benefits of the First to Go LC:

  • Engagement with Campus and Community Leaders: Interact with leadership, faculty, staff, and mentors across campus and in the greater Akron community, building valuable connections and gaining insights from experienced professionals.
  • Individualized Support: Receive personalized support from the OMD staff and team of peer mentors, ensuring that each student's unique needs and goals are addressed.
  • Service-Learning Project: Participate in a service-learning project within the greater Akron community, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world contexts and make a positive impact.
  • Study Table Program: Engage in a structured Study Table program designed to promote academic success through collaborative learning and peer support.
  • Financial Assistance Opportunities: Benefit from potential financial assistance provided by generous donors each semester you are enrolled in the program, supporting your educational journey.

Who’s eligible?

The First to Go Learning Community is open to any first-generation college student eager to begin their academic journey, from any major, and who shows a genuine commitment to maximizing their First to Go experience.


How do I join First to Go LC?

Please complete the LC Interest Form today!


Contact Information:

Autumn Frampton
Director, Multicultural Development
autumn@uakron.edu
330-972-8660