Youngstown Foundation expands program to help YCSD students receive degree from YSU for free

The Youngstown Foundation is helping Youngstown City Schools students earn their degrees from Youngstown State, with little to no cost. 

Through the Y-STAR program, city school students are able to earn full four-year scholarships to Youngstown State. 

In addition to the scholarships, Y-STAR will now cover the costs of personal computers, YSU-owned housing, meals and other expenses that have been barriers for participants of the program in the past. 

The Y-STAR program was first launched in 2012 with a $3 million commitments to students. 

The additional program benefits come after the Youngstown Foundation learned that even though the Y-STAR program covered traditional expenses like tuition, books and fees, many students were faced with additional costs that made it harder for them complete their education. 

According to a press release, the Youngstown Foundation learned that many beneficiaries of the program transferred to other universities where more comprehensive programs took care of those additional expenses, while others were forced to cut their college education short. 

With support from YSU and the Youngstown City School District, the Y-STAR program will aim to educate more scholars and enhance the community's pool of college educated professionals. 

As part of a new agreement among the foundation, university, and school district, YSU has agreed to promote its academic and social support services to Y-STAR participants more vigorously. These social services "create a feeling of belonging" on campus that can make the difference between a student continuing at YSU, transferring to another university or dropping out. 

The school district has also agreed to promote Y-STAR's advantages more prominently to students and their families, hoping more students will enroll in Y-STAR if they fully understand the extent of the financial support. 

Students interested in learning more about the Y-STAR program should contact their school's guidance counselor or the financial aid office at YSU.