New Era Scholars emerged in the fall 2024 semester as one of Cleveland State University’s newest student advocacy organizations, positioning itself as a campus movement focused on leadership, service and community connection. 

“NES for me is the space I wish I had growing up in a community of young men and women who aren’t deemed ‘weird’ for caring about our people, our neighborhoods and wanting more for ourselves instead of buying into the social norms,” said Rameer Askew, president of the organization. “What I hope for is that it lasts and grows far beyond what I could ever imagine, helping create and shape young leaders all over the world.” 

New Era Scholars defines itself as a student-led movement grounded in principles of love, leadership and purpose. The group emphasizes support for students who feel overlooked within institutional systems, and its platform encourages empowerment, unity and community accountability. 

The leadership board includes President Rameer Askew, Vice President Angellise Gray, Secretary Lakirah Harrell and Treasurer Melvin Carter, all of whom are CSU students and oversee programming aimed at reinforcing a sense of belonging at the university.

“To me, NES is a space where people can mobilize and bond together to work towards breaking stigmas and improving the conditions of the community around us,” Gray said. “I hope that it continues to inspire more students to give back to the community and that more chapters will be formed in other colleges.”
 

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The group has strengthened its presence both on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods through a partnership with the grassroots organization New Era Cleveland, enabling the student organization to engage more actively within the community in which CSU is embedded.

New Era Cleveland is a grassroots movement dedicated to building self-sufficient and resilient communities. Its philosophy stresses accountability at the individual, household and community levels, and its programs span youth mentorship, crisis response, food distribution, resource support and wellness initiatives.

The work of the NES student organization links CSU to underserved neighborhoods. During the fall semester, New Era Scholars and New Era Cleveland jointly organized Operation Love, a distribution effort that provided meals, coats, blankets and hygiene kits to students as well as residents of the Norma Herr Women’s Shelter. Members said the effort was intended to address immediate needs while strengthening long-term relationships between students and the city they live in.
 

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On campus, New Era Scholars launched programs that promote dialogue, wellness and support. The group’s Women’s Week event, titled Women United, created space for students to discuss empowerment and community building as institutional support for civic rights initiatives declines under impact of the university's implementation of Ohio Senate Bill 1.
 

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Leaders described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to elevate voices that often lack formal representation. 

“NES is a true safe space, a place where anyone can come to express themselves, be authentic, discover their purpose and build meaningful community and relationships,” Harrell said. “This type of environment is deeply needed on our campus, as it encourages students to get more involved, feel supported and connect with one another. I’m genuinely grateful that we have this here at the university.”

New Era Scholars’ work with New Era Cleveland connects the student group to a larger community-based network known for outreach in neighborhoods such as Buckeye, Woodhill, Kinsman and Mt. Pleasant. 
 

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New Era Cleveland is known for its non-police crisis response efforts and its presence in neighborhoods affected by limited access to social services. Its programs include after-school support, Safe Zone partnerships with local businesses and interventions designed to deter violence and provide immediate assistance to residents facing mental-health or economic challenges.
 

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The organization recently expanded its reach after receiving a grant of some $150,000 to open a community clubhouse offering food, clothing, trauma support and job training.

The group has drawn scrutiny for armed neighborhood patrols intended to deter violence. While critics have raised concerns about citizen-led safety efforts, New Era Cleveland says it has retained support among residents who see the group as a stabilizing force in areas where institutional responses are limited.

New Era Cleveland continues to frame its work as a response to gaps in public safety, social services and community support. Its leaders promote grassroots solutions and long-term empowerment rather than short-term intervention, a mission that aligns with the values emphasized by New Era Scholars.
 

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At Cleveland State University, New Era Scholars’ growing influence reflects a shifting student landscape in which activism, community engagement and peer support play increasingly significant roles. By linking campus programming with neighborhood outreach, the group has positioned itself as a bridge between young adults seeking purpose and communities seeking attention and resources. 

“NES has been nothing but love,” Carter said. It's exposed me to a lot of eye-opening experiences that have helped shape my development as a human being.”  

Its initiatives aim to build stronger ties between the university and Cleveland’s underserved residents, reinforcing a model of student engagement rooted in service and shared responsibility for the community. 

The student organization plans to continue expanding its presence at CSU and in the city, promoting student leadership while contributing to broader efforts to strengthen community well-being across Cleveland.

“I've learned so much through sharing thoughts and ideas with like-minded, yet such unique individuals,” Carter said.“NES has given me the confidence to be the change I want to see, without limitations. It's okay to show love to those who need it, not just those who ‘deserve it.’ That's how true community is built.”