Studies consistently indicate that engaging students in research is successful in improving STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) retention and graduation rates. Given that nearly half of all U.S. students are enrolled in community colleges, and that 70% of those enrolled are either women or underrepresented ethnicities, these campuses are pivotal for the early integration of research in student pathways. Because community colleges contain smaller class sizes, agile course structures, and faculty dedicated to best practice approaches, these institutions are inherently capable of developing more student research platforms. With the support of campus administration, Kapi'olani Community College has institutionalized research along the course continuum by providing incentives for both the participating students and instructors, irrespective of extramural funding. This multicourse pathway incorporates Research Intensive teaching along with SCI 295 Directed Research in the manufacturing of novel monoclonal antibodies. This integrative approach serves as a low-cost, high-value model to put research at the forefront of student learning, while attempting to improve the diversity, retention, graduation, and downstream employment success of STEM students.