Grant expands workforce development opportunities for YSU students

Workforce development opportunities will expand for Youngstown State University students through an additional $1.4 million grant to the university’s Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program.

The Ohio Department of Higher Education announced the additional funding last week. YSU will use the money to develop the Workforce Advancement through YSU STEMM (WAYS) program, promoting workforce development opportunities for YSU students through partnerships with regional employers, relevant training and professional development. 

The award will support an estimated 100 new YSU students over five years in selected STEMM majors, including engineering, engineering technology, computer science, mathematics, integrated mathematics and science education, economics, biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics.

The WAYS program includes:

• Facilitation of co-ops, internships and other transcribed academic/professional work experience pathways to high demand STEMM careers: YSU staff and academic/professional leaders promote experiential learning opportunities at mandatory monthly cohort meetings.
• Recruitment of STEMM talented students, especially from STEMM underrepresented populations.
• Academic support with private tutors as needed.
• A 20-day Summer Bridge mathematics preparation course, featuring an on-campus half-day of lectures, problem-solving, inquiry-based learning, team projects and course portfolio development, followed by six hours of homework. Students who successfully complete the Summer Bridge and achieve mathematics placement level required by WAYS scholarship eligibility are the highest priority YSU COFSP awards.

Applications, contacts and program information for both the Summer Bridge and on-campus scholarship programs available here.