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At 51����’s University College, the CommUNITY Lab serves as a space where connection, growth, and opportunity intersect, especially for graduating seniors like Ronshai Jones, Ariana Wallace, and Yeshe Mulugeta. For these three, the journey to graduation has been defined by leadership, resilience, and the unwavering support of the DC College Access Program (DC CAP).

DC CAP, a nonprofit committed to eliminating the higher education achievement gap for students from Washington, D.C., provides financial assistance, mentorship, and wraparound support—ensuring students can pursue meaningful degrees and graduate ready to succeed.

Building Memories and Finding Purpose at 51���� 

For Ariana Wallace, one of the defining moments of her college experience came through academic challenge and connection in the McNair Scholars Program. 

“Toward the end of the summer we all felt like family,” she said. "We were still able to come together and make the process more fun.”

Ronshai Jones found his footing early as a Flashguide welcoming incoming students to campus.  

“It was one of the first leadership positions I had on campus, and it was amazing knowing that I was a representation of KSU to all incoming students,” Ronshai said. 

For Yeshe Mulugeta, the balance of moments of fun and discovery looked a little different. Yeshe Mulugeta recalls attending a spring concert featuring Lil Yachty and later diving into research through the McNair Scholars Program, describing the experience as “super informative and interesting.” 

Together, these memories reflect the balance of academic rigor and meaningful campus life.

CommUNITY Lab: Connection Beyond the Classroom

While classrooms offered growth, the CommUNITY Lab created space for deeper connection. 

For Mulugeta, trips to Cedar Point and Pittsburgh stood out most. 

“I made a lot of core memories and really bonded with other CLAB students and staff,” she said.  

Jones also found meaning in these shared experiences, recalling the excitement of visiting Cedar Point for the first time. That sense of connection was echoed by Wallace, whose favorite memory came from a weekend camping trip. 

“That reinforced the notion of not judging a book by its cover, because the people I met then are now lifelong friends,” Ariana explained.

Achievements That Reflect Growth and Resilience

Each scholar’s accomplishments highlight their pursuit of personal growth and their determination to achieve. Mulugeta’s proudest moment pointed to perseverance in academics – completing a super difficult research paper.

“It was definitely humbling, but I am proud of myself for pushing through.”

For Wallace, her growth stemmed from stepping outside of her comfort zone and in front of a camera. 

“I faced my fears of being in the spotlight and pushed myself to model… for two years,” Wallace said, demonstrating courage as a McNair Scholar and study abroad participant.

Ronshai Jones’s earned the First-Generation Student Award and being named Homecoming Royalty—milestones that represent both achievement and influence within the campus community.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey

Now, each student is preparing for the next chapter. Mulugeta plans to take a brief pause before returning to 51���� to pursue a master’s degree in Criminology and Justice Studies.

Jones will remain at 51���� to pursue a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs while serving as a graduate assistant.

Wallace is headed back home, to the DMV area, to work as a Registered Behavioral Technician while preparing for graduate school.

The Transformative Impact of DC CAP

Underlying each of these journeys is the impact of DC CAP – offering both financial relief and meaningful support. 

“It gave me the opportunity to attend school without constantly worrying about my finances… it has truly been a saving grace,” said Mulugeta, highlighting the peace of mind she was able to achieve from the program. 

Jones echoed that sentiment, sharing, “Without DC CAP it would have been very hard for me to attend college… it has been a huge blessing for me and my family.”

Wallace emphasized both the financial and professional benefits, noting, “DC CAP is one of the main reasons why I was able to get through college… it opened my world to many possibilities.”

A Legacy of CommUNITY and Opportunity

The impact of these students has not gone unnoticed.  

“The DCCAP graduates have been exceptional during their time at KSU. Each of them created a unique path to develop not only as scholars, but leaders across campus,” said Amanda Paulus, Senior External Relations Officer in University College. “Their willingness to not only engage but also build community is something that stands out to me. I am so proud of their accomplishments and the many ways they all contributed to the KSU community. We can't wait to see what they accomplish in their post-graduate chapter!”

As Ronshai, Ariana, and Yeshe prepare to graduate, their stories reflect the power of opportunity, connection, perseverance, and the possibilities unlocked through the combined support of DC CAP and the CommUNITY Lab. These scholars have built confidence, discovered their voices, and formed lifelong connections – on top of earning their degrees

Their journeys are a testament to what is possible when students are supported holistically. As soon-to-be successful graduates, they have shown again that success is not determined by circumstance, but by access, community, and the courage to grow.

Congratulations to DC CAP Scholars of the Class of 2026: Kyra Black, Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication Design; Jackie Braxton, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; Zamar Brees, Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business with a minor in Marketing; Ronshai Jones, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies; Jeremiah Mikell, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education & Sports Performance with a minor in Athletic Coaching; Yeshe Mulugeta, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Justice Studies, with a minor in Society, Health & Medicine; Danny Page, Bachelor of Science in Public Health; Antonio Roberson, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Public Relations; Antonio Simpson, Bachelor of Arts in Applied Media; Ariana Wallace, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies; Monica Guevara, Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.