Centers for undergraduate research and civic engagement are rare at the community college level. With two such Centers, both launched in 2022 and 2023 at a Midwestern Community College, we are examining how intentional mentoring efforts in undergraduate research and civic engagement at community colleges impact students' political efficacy and interest in research careers and careers in public service. We also examine how the students' research and civic engagement projects motivate them to pursue advanced education beyond the sub-baccalaureate level. The Directors of the two Centers, along with community college student participants and co-authors, assess the impact of these Centers and provide recommendations for peer institutions on how experiential learning and high impact practices can be instrumental in implementing and growing such Centers at community colleges.