‘I’m Y Day’ introduces Youngstown students to college pathways through immersive campus experience

Youngstown State University welcomed students in grades 5-12 from Inspiring Minds Youngstown to campus April 8 for “I’m Y Day,” an event designed to introduce young learners to academic programs and college life while encouraging early exploration of higher education opportunities.

Hosted by Cryshanna Jackson Leftwich, professor in humanities and social sciences, in collaboration with Patrick Spearman, associate professor in teacher education and leadership studies, and David Graham, associate provost for student success, the event highlighted programs within the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Education.

Inspiring Minds Youngstown, founded in 2015, is a nonprofit organization that provides free, high-quality after-school and summer programming to K-12 students in Youngstown. The organization offers tutoring, homework help and mentoring, with a mission center on exposing students to opportunities that help bridge equity gaps in higher education and career pathways.

The idea for “I’m Y Day” grew out of a desire to strengthen partnerships with community organizations while giving students a clearer understanding of academic disciplines they may not otherwise encounter.

“We wanted to showcase what we do and give students a better understanding of the different disciplines within humanities and social sciences,” Jackson Leftwich said. “Many students are familiar with areas like STEM or business, but they don’t always realize the opportunities available in fields like political science, philosophy, anthropology and sociology.”

Throughout the day, students toured McKay Hall and DeBartolo Hall, participated in interactive activities and heard directly from faculty across multiple disciplines. Faculty members incorporated hands-on elements and real-world examples into their presentations, helping students connect academic subjects to potential careers.

“The faculty were able to bring their work to life in a way that really resonated with the students,” Jackson Leftwich said. “It gave them a clearer picture of what these fields look like beyond the classroom.”

The experience also introduced students to campus resources, including counseling services, accessibility support and the Dean of Students office, emphasizing the support systems available to help students succeed in college.

“I think it’s important for students to know that those resources exist and are accessible,” Jackson Leftwich said. “It helps them see that they would be supported if they chose to pursue higher education.”

Students also visited the dining hall and campus recreation center, providing a more complete look at student life. According to Jackson Leftwich, these elements helped make the experience both engaging and relatable for younger audiences.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many students expressing surprise at the size of the campus and the variety of academic options available. Some indicated they were inspired to consider new fields of study after interacting with faculty and touring facilities.

She emphasized the importance of introducing college concepts early, particularly for students who may be exploring their interests for the first time.

“The earlier students are exposed to these opportunities, the more time they have to think about what they want to do and how to get there,” Jackson Leftwich said.

Following the success of this year’s event, there is hope to expand “I’m Y Day” into an annual program potentially welcoming additional student groups in the future.