Academic Achievers complete mural in Beeghly Hall

Partnering with Youngstown State University’s Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Science and Education, Academic Achievers painted a mural in the student lounge located on the first floor of Beeghly Hall as a part of their summer residential experience.

The mural was designed by Brooke Bowen, a YSU sophomore Art Studio major who is a graduate of the program.

Academic Achievers started under the direction of Karen Becker, former director of first year experience at YSU, in 2002. A college and career prep program, it is designed to help 9 – 12 grade students achieve academic success at Warren G. Harding High School.

Charles Howell, the dean of BCLASSE, explained the value of the Academic Achievers program.

“Academic Achievers is a wonderful organization that helps talented high school students prepare for college. It was great having these future Penguins in our building this summer and seeing the beautiful results of their work,” said Howell.

Since its inception, the program has served more than 215 students. To date, 100 students have or are attending a college or university, more than 50 have or are attending trade schools, and over 25 have entered the military after high school.

Academic Achievers is privately funded through a yearly gift to the YSU Foundation. It is housed in the Office of College Access and Transition, which is in the Division of Student Success. For more information about the program, please contact Bill Border, Academic Achievers Coordinator, at wlborder@ysu.edu.