Youngstown State University President Bill Johnson has announced on Friday that the university has affirmed its commitment to educational expansion in the Steubenville region in wake of an enrollment pause at Eastern Gateway Community College.

According to a press release, YSU is committed to seamlessly transition the college credit plus (CCP) programs from Eastern Gateway to YSU.

CCP Ohio's dual enrollment program provides students in grades 7-12 the opportunity to learn college and high school credits simultaneously by taking classes from Ohio colleges and universities.

Additionally, President Johnson announced that YSU has taken "significant steps" towards establishing its own physical campus in Steubenville.

"The whole focus of this is to make sure that the students in this region have a seamless path to continue their education on their terms," YSU President Bill Johnson said.

According to the release, the university has submitted paperwork to the Higher Learning Commission to begin the process of officially establishing the university's presence in Steubenville.

With the establishment of this new campus, YSU will not only be offering associate degrees, but bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees as well both in person and online.

In the meantime, YSU is working with Eastern Gateway to facilitate pathways for students affected by the enrollment freeze to enroll at YSU for its upcoming terms.

Any Eastern Gateway students with questions about transitioning to YSU should call 330-941-2000 or email [email protected].