YSU Students Raise $3,000 for Men Mentorship Program

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University’s Student Nonprofit Leadership Organization has raised $3,000 to help the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley launch the Promising Men Mentorship Program aimed at changing the way boys think about themselves and their future.

The check from the YSU student organization was presented through Pay It Forward: Strengthening Communities Student-Led Philanthropy Initiative, United Way announced Wednesday.

The program will pair successful African American and Hispanic men with 5th and 6th grade boys in Youngstown. United Way will operate it in partnership with the Kool Boiz Foundation, Christ Centered Church and other local organizations. The goal is for the boys to develop a strong relationship with their mentor who they can identify with culturally.

The mentors will guide the boys in character building, academic success, and planning for the future by showing them what it takes to be successful. Mentors must submit an application, pass a background check and commit to one hour each week plus one Saturday a month.

The funding will be used to buy supplies and materials, equipment for a Community Service Project, and field trips including job shadowing.

United Way will launch the program at Youngstown Community School and expand to Taft Elementary School.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor for the program contact Trina Benson.

Pictured: Youngstown State University’s Student Nonprofit Leadership Organization presenting a check for Promising Men Mentorship Program.

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