VIENNA TWP., Ohio - Whether it's driving hundreds of miles across the country or flying in the skies, Youngstown State University is creating a path to make learning those careers in the valley a reality.

With the help of the Western Port Authority, YSU is launching its CDL and aviation programs.

Bill Johnson, YSU president, said even though the aviation building won't be done until late next year, enrollment for the programs is already underway.

“This is a year and a half in the making, when we decided to start the aviation and CDL programs,” said Johnson.

This is at a time where both fields are seeing a workforce shortage.

“Shortage of pilots, shortage of truck drivers. You can’t move commerce, business shuts down. You can’t move passengers across the country, business shuts down. So, we’re doing our part here in Youngstown, Youngstown State and the Western Reserve Port Authority to do our part to try to begin to fill that workforce void.” said Johnson. 

Both programs transitioned from Eastern Gateway to YSU. Since the transition began, plans to expand the programs started.

“What YSU did is amazing. For them to step up and go to the Ohio Board of Regions and create an associates degree program. I mean the students in this community just have a real blessing of an opportunity here,” said Anthony Trevena, executive director, Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and the Western Reserve Port Authority.

Students taking the programs will have an opportunity to get an aviation certification or CDL, while also earning an associates degree. Trevena said he hopes the programs will keep students in the valley.

“Our students are having to go out of state or far away or they're waiting to get in line. So, it's a proven fact that if you can get a student to graduate from your community, you have a better chance of keeping them, so we're just trying to keep our kids home and give them great paying jobs,” said Trevena.

People from the community filled the room to celebrate the launch. In fact, many in the room helped make the program launch a reality. 

Funding from Lake to River, ARP funds from Trumbull County Commissioners, grants from the community and state funding all went into the project. Trevena said the community helped every step of the way. 

“Everything from starting the school to building the school to local folks who gave a really good deal on airplanes  when we bought them so I mean this community really came forward to make this happen,” said Trevena.

Construction on the Aviation Education Center is already underway. The building will be near the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and is expected to be up and running by fall of 2026.