By Gerri Jenkins
Executive Director, MyPath
WARREN, Ohio – The 2022-2023 school year is one of growth and change for MyPath Mahoning Valley.
The nonprofit organization provides support to students in the Campbell, Warren and Youngstown city school districts who seek direct matriculation from high school graduation into college. At the same time, it is increasing efforts to support graduates who prefer other post-secondary pathways, including access to certificates, accelerated training programs through Youngstown State University’s Excellence Training Center and directly entering the workforce.
MyPath, formerly the Mahoning Valley College Access Program, took a giant step toward realizing its pivot strategy by supporting the Youngstown Works effort and the two hiring events that took place on March 29 and Oct. 4 at Stambaugh Auditorium.
MyPath, which is in its 22nd year of operation, has been awarded grants from the Community Foundation and the Youngstown Foundation to support its Gap Year Initiative. High school graduates are followed for an additional year past graduation to make sure they are making progress in their chosen pathways. A tracking system is in place.
Moving into 2023, MyPath intends to expand upon the delivery of its career awareness curriculum as early as the sixth grade. Partnerships with Inspiring Minds Youngstown and Warren and the 21st Century Learning Communities in Warren continue as each participant builds an individual career portfolio that carry him into high school and beyond.
MyPath will continue to award Last Dollar Scholarships to students who need additional financial support for college attendance. The board decided to move investments to the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley to ensure that the scholarship program will continue in perpetuity. MyPath also provides scholarships through the YSU Foundation.