Youngstown Rayen Early College Celebrating 20 Years

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown City School District is marking its 20th anniversary of providing educational opportunities at Youngstown Rayen Early College High School.  

YREC will have an anniversary celebration in conjunction with its open house Friday, with an anniversary convocation from 10 to 11 a.m. outside the school at 20 W. Wood St.

YREC, a five-star school on the most recent state report card, enables students to earn a high school diploma and a tuition-free associate’s degree at Youngstown State University. In the 2024 graduating class, 32 of 54 seniors, or 59%, received an associate’s degree. 

“YREC is one of under 10 early college initiatives in the state,” said Monica Jones, YREC principal. “While others may be a sole program, ours is an entire school dedicated to providing college preparedness and a pathway to higher education. It has been an honor to be a part of one of the hidden gems in the Mahoning Valley, an educational institution whose mission is dedicated to student success in a supportive environment. We are thrilled to have been here for 20 years and look forward to serving future generations of learners.” 

YREC is housed in the historical Judge William Rayen building and serves students from all backgrounds.

“It is truly an honor to have such a distinguished high school as part of Youngstown City Schools,” said YCSD Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor. “YREC provides a transformative opportunity for scholars. Its alums have become successful entrepreneurs, professors, and working for organizations such as Nike and The Raymond John Wean Foundation. The school is a testament to the Youngstown Excellence Experience, where the district offers pathways to future careers and opportunities.”

Pictured at top: Youngstown Rayen Early College High School. (Youngstown City School District)

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.