Campus Cleveland

Why Campus Cleveland?

Campus Cleveland helps build a strong pipeline of engaged leaders who will be anchored and invested in Cleveland long-term by highlighting Cleveland’s urban core renaissance and providing an eye-opening view of the city’s vast opportunities for young professionals.

Connecting college students and interns to Cleveland for good

Campus Cleveland is a leadership development and community immersion experience for college students (undergrad or graduate) and interns spending the summer in Cleveland. It kicks off with a full-day, civic leadership summit, followed by four Community Connections ranging from lunch with senior and emerging leaders, to neighborhood explorations and behind-the-scenes civic tours.

Each experience will give participants the opportunity to connect with CLC alumni who will share candid, personal insights on their career and community engagement journeys. Through these experiences, students will make invaluable professional connections while also learning about some of the innovative projects shaping Cleveland’s future.

Cost:

$350 per student/intern
Includes the summit, all Community Connections, and partner events.

REGISTER >

Click on the accordions below to learn more.

• Civic Leadership Summit

  Friday, June 20, 2025
  8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  Cleveland State University Student Center
  (2121 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115)

  The Civic Leadership Summit is a full day experience where college students learn how to:

  • Better understand what kind of leader they are and strive to become.
  • Learn when and how to take risks to achieve professional, personal and leadership goals.
  • Acquire tools to better communicate and demonstrate their value to employers and beyond.
  • Grow their confidence in taking the initiative and stepping out of their comfort zones.
  • Discover what professional qualities and characteristics employers want in the talent they hire.
  • Better connect with and meet new college students and established professionals.
  • Experience what it’s like to live, work, and play in Cleveland as a young professional.

  Summit sessions

  • A professionally facilitated leadership development workshop.
  • Hands-on relationship and team building activities.
  • Fireside chats with community leaders and subject matter experts in the following topics:
    • Professional Presence
      Master essential skills for success in today’s workplace, including effective email communication, meeting and interview etiquette, and building a powerful personal brand. Learn practical strategies to make a lasting positive impression and advance professional goals.
    • Collaborating & Teamwork
      Unlock the power of effective collaboration. Gain essential teamwork skills, including the art of giving and receiving feedback, building strong professional relationships, understanding diverse personalities and work styles, and practicing active and reflective listening.

  • • Adaptability & Initiative
      Gain practical strategies to thrive in today’s dynamic world. Delve into the power of a growth mindset, plus learn techniques for developing a strong work ethic, overcoming imposter syndrome, and achieving a healthy, sustainable work/life balance.
  • Lunch with CLC alumni who will share their leadership and civic journeys.
  • A keynote address from an inspiring Cleveland champion who will share why they are passionate about the region and the quality of life young professionals can build just as they have.
  • Downtown Cleveland scavenger hunt ending with a closing social.
• Post-summit community connections

  Building on the momentum from the Civic Leadership Summit, Campus Cleveland participants have the opportunity to dig deeper into what it’s like to live, work, and play in Cleveland as a young professional. Through a series of four immersive experiences, student leaders will gain direct access to Cleveland leaders and young professionals who call Cleveland home. In addition to building authentic, potentially long-lasting relationships, participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Discover some of the innovative projects and organizations helping to re-imagine Cleveland and some of the gems of Northeast Ohio’s vast recreational and entertainment scene.
  • Hear candid insights into what Cleveland has to offer personally and professionally.
  • Learn about ways to get involved and make a difference in the community.

  Community Connections

  • • Lunch with Leaders
      June 27 |  Noon–1:00 p.m.

  • • Two immersive neighborhood tours
      July (Dates and times coming soon!)

  • • Networking lunch with local young professionals
      July 31 |  Noon–1:00 p.m.

  • • Cleveland sand bucket list competition
      Takes place across the length of the Campus Cleveland experience. The winner will be drawn in early August.

   

  As a bonus, CLC is also partnering with other Cleveland organizations to provide additional, optional experiences for Campus Cleveland participants including:

  • • Summer in The Land Guardians game
      (Sponsored by the Cleveland Talent Alliance)
      June 10 |  5:30-10:00 p.m.  | Progressive Field

  • • Behind-the-Scenes Playhouse Square tour
      (Sponsored by Team NEO and CLC)
      Early July (Date and time coming soon!)

  • • Collegiate Career and Community Leader Mixer
      (Sponsored by Summer on the Cuyahoga)
      July 16 |  5:30–8:30 p.m.  |  Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The CC difference

At the end of each program year, CLC surveys all Campus Cleveland participants to assess the impact the program has on them individually. The charts below offer two examples of where participants stood before starting the program and where they stood at the end of the program.

Bottom line: Campus Cleveland is a gamechanger for any college student looking to amp up their professional and personal skills, while also learning why Cleveland is one of the best places in the nation to work, live, and play.

I know about Cleveland’s civic assets, issues, and stakeholders.

I am able to work strategically with diverse community stakeholders to effect positive change.

To learn more about CLC’s evaluation process, visit our Impact page.

To learn more about CC, email Nicole Canitano or call (440) 476-7423.