YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Six Youngstown State University Williamson College of Business Administration students will spend this summer gaining hands-on entrepreneurial experience through the Nathan H. and Frances T. Monus Entrepreneurship Fellows Program.

They will work with startup and growth-stage companies across the region.

The Monus Entrepreneurship Fellows Program connects students with entrepreneurial ventures and innovation-focused employers, allowing them to apply classroom learning to real-world business challenges while gaining professional experience. The program partners with organizations, including YBI, to support experiential learning opportunities that strengthen the region’s innovation economy.

Students selected for the summer 2026 Monus Entrepreneurship Fellows Program and the companies with which they will work include:

  • Dylan Durkos, LeapFast.
  • Matthew Farelli, LeapFast.
  • Tanishka Mangesh Agnihotri, Vitruvian.
  • Ryan Evangelista, Gizmo & Trinket.
  • Caedon Trotter, AROPHA.
  • Judin Balella, Little Tusk.

Participating companies represent a range of industries, including technology, branding, product development and workforce innovation.

“The Monus Fellows Program has been invaluable to Vitruvian, connecting us with talented, motivated interns from YSU,” said Shantanu Pagare, process and workforce development manager at Vitruvian. “Last year, we worked with [a student], whose creativity, work ethic and professionalism made such an impact that we hired him full time. Since then, he has continued to grow in business development while helping strengthen career technical center relationships that support our continued growth. We are grateful that YSU continues preparing students who create real value for companies and communities.”

The fellowship program is designed to provide students with career-related projects that strengthen their academic preparation while helping entrepreneurial companies advance key initiatives and business growth objectives. Fellows work closely with company leaders and entrepreneurial professionals throughout the experience.