Cleveland State University Earns Four National Civic Engagement and Community Service Awards
Cleveland State University received four 2026 Civic Engagement and Community Service Awards from Insight Into Academia Magazine, the nation’s largest and oldest publication dedicated to advancing best practices in higher education.
The awards recognize colleges and universities that demonstrate innovation and sustained commitment to community partnership. Honorees are selected for impactful work in volunteerism, fundraising for community causes, advocacy and public education, civic participation and voter engagement, among other initiatives.
The recognition highlights CSU’s deep-rooted collaboration with community partners and its continued investment in meaningful, hands-on civic involvement. CSU’s four programs will be featured, along with 48 programs from other institutions, in the April 2026 issue of Insight into Academia magazine.
“These awards remind us that our work as Cleveland’s University extends far beyond the classroom,” said CSU President Dr. Laura Bloomberg. “Each of these programs reflects CSU’s commitment to serving our students and collaborating with the community. I am inspired by our students, faculty and staff, whose dedication makes these programs possible and impactful.”
The following CSU programs were selected by Insight Into Academia magazine as award recipients:
Center for Refugee and Immigrant Success
Founded in 2018, the Center for Refugee and Immigrant Studies (CRIS) collaborates with scholars across disciplines and community organizations to examine the past, present and future of refugee and immigrant life in Northeast Ohio.
Since 2021, the center has engaged more than 500 participants through advocacy events, research presentations, town halls and Brown Bag sessions. Programs have tackled critical issues including refugee employment, student success, trauma-informed teaching and secondary migration — fostering informed dialogue and meaningful impact across the region.
College of Health
CSU’s College of Health earned recognition for its community impact through its Speech and Hearing Clinic, Swim the Gap program and partnership with Special Olympics.
Staffed by graduate and undergraduate clinicians under licensed, ASHA-certified faculty, the Speech and Hearing Clinic delivered more than 1,600 therapy sessions and nearly 1,800 off-site screenings during the 2024-25 academic year. Swim the Gap teaches Cleveland Metropolitan School District students critical water safety skills while introducing them to campus life.
Through its work with Special Olympics, the college also advances wellness and inclusion by supporting unified athletes with on-campus programming and community health screenings.
Lift Up Vikes! Resource Center and Food Pantry
The Lift Up Vikes! Resource Center and Food Pantry serves as Cleveland State University’s comprehensive basic needs hub, supporting students while also providing essential resources to faculty, staff and members of the greater Cleveland community.
Designed to address food insecurity and other basic needs challenges with dignity, accessibility and care, the center plays a critical role in student success. In 2025, it distributed more than 54 tons of food and served nearly 8,000 patrons — a testament to both the growing need and the center’s expanding impact.
Student-Athlete Advisory Council
CSU Athletics’ Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) creates transformational opportunities for student-athletes to lead, serve and thrive. The council empowers athletes to amplify their voices, strengthen community and prioritize well-being on and off the field.
Through SAAC, more than 230 student-athletes have participated in over 900 hours of leadership programming and contributed more than 220 hours of community service. The experience equips them to grow not only as competitors, but also as leaders, students and engaged members of the CSU community.
“Higher education has always been a driving force in societal progress,” says Holly Mendelson, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. “These institutions remind us that the true measure of higher education lies not only in the degrees awarded, but in the lives they uplift. Their leadership strengthens communities, inspires students, and sets a standard of excellence for all.”
For more information about the 2026 Civic Engagement and Community Service Award, visit insightintoacademia.com.