YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University will receive $92,930 in state funding to enhance campus safety.
YSU is among 28 colleges and universities in Ohio that will receive a total of $7.5 million in funding through the Campus Safety Grant Program for security projects that enhance the safety of students and staff.
“A huge portion of YSU’s student population is homegrown right here in the Mahoning Valley. Their student experience on campus directly impacts their choices while they study and, if they graduate, what they will do next,” state Rep. Lauren McNally, D-58th, said in a news release. “The safer we keep these learners the more likely the talents they’ve honed here will stay here.”
Colleges and universities in the state will use the funds to cover expenses associated with physical security enhancements such as security cameras, fencing, lighting, door locks, portable surveillance trailers, radios, drones and more.
“Ohio remains committed to ensuring our colleges and universities have the resources they need to make their campuses as safe as possible,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “These grants will allow us to continue this important work so students can focus on thriving in their studies, chasing their career goals and reaching their full potential.”
Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, said it’s “important to create an environment on our campuses where students feel secure and can focus on learning.”
The Ohio School Safety Center, which is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, reviewed the campus safety grant applications in consultation with the Ohio Department of Higher Education.