YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Students in the Sokolov Honors College presented the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley with a $10,000 check Tuesday.
Funds were raised through the Intro to Honors class and projects led by the Honors Trustees student organization.
First-year honors students learned about fundraising and developed projects to raise funds for the United Way last semester. They hosted bake sales, created basket raffles, made jewelry and partnered with local restaurants to host special fundraising events.
Honors trustees raised additional funds through projects, such as the YSU driveway fundraiser, which included students painting Pete and/or the YSU “Y” on driveways within a 30-mile radius of campus.
Amy Cossentino, honors dean and associate provost, underscored the value of the project as an example of community engagement and experiential learning.
“Through the efforts of all these students, they learned about the value of how giving back can make a difference to the agencies associated with United Way,” she said. “They gained leadership and teamwork experience along with understanding the value of philanthropic efforts.”
Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, said the organization is honored to be chosen for the fundraising project.
“Our United Way has an amazing relationship with the YSU Honors students,” he said. “Anytime we need help, we can count on them. … United Way’s motto is to Give, Advocate, Volunteer – YSU honors students exemplify this and are critical to the impact we are making in the Mahoning Valley. Thank you to all the students, honors trustees and administrators for trusting us to be a partner.”