YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Helping more students enrolled in Youngstown City Schools to continue their education is the goal of a major financial commitment by the Youngstown Foundation.
The innovative program is called Y-Star and it's designed to address the financial challenges faced by Youngstown school students who have dreams of a college education.
The program will allow students who meet all requirements for graduation to receive up to $3,000 to help cover the costs of tuition, books and fees
"The Y-Star program commences this fall with the incoming class of 2012-2013 which will be the graduating class of 2016," said Jan Strasfeld, Executive Director of the Foundation.
The awards can be used at both Youngstown State University and Eastern Gateway.
The foundation believes the incentive program will increase high school graduation rates and college admission rates for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity for post secondary education.
"I think what we're doing now is showing kids that we really care about them because we are putting programs in place that will help them be successful in life," said Youngstown Superintendent, Dr. Connie Hathon.
Local leaders say with positive developments like the new Additive Manufacturing Institute the community needs innovative education programs that will keep young people in school and in Youngstown.
"But what we're now doing is building a system of educated students coming in place to continue to fuel the long term growth," said Congressman Tim Ryan.
The Youngstown Foundation has made an initial commitment of three million dollars to the Y-Star Program.
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