Youngstown Foundation Doubles YStar Scholarship Amounts

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown Foundation has doubled the value of scholarships given to students in the YSTAR program The last-dollar scholarships, which now range between $2,000 and $6,000, can be used for tuition, fees, parking or books.

“Last dollars can often be a determining factor for many students as to whether they can financially pursue a college education or not,” said foundation President Jan Strafeld in a release. “At The Youngstown Foundation, we are grateful that we can create and support a program that eases the burden of college tuition and expenses – turning the dream of a college education into a reality for so many students.”

YStar was launched in 2012 to address Youngstown City Schools’ academic and financial challenges. The first class graduated in 2016. Scholarship amounts are determined by how long a student has been in the program and can be used at Youngstown State University or Eastern Gateway Community College.

This year’s graduating class of 209 students, representing $1 million in scholarships – includes students from Chaney High School, East High School and Youngstown Early College.

“The YSTAR program not only helps in filling in the financial gap for students, it also is helping to address the all important academic needs as well with requirements that set standards for grade point average, graduating within four years and an annual agreement to keep the students engaged in their future education from freshman year through graduation,” said Youngstown City Schools chief of accountability and assessment Tim Filipovich.

For more information, visit YoungstownFoundation.org or call 330 744 0320.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.