Youngstown State University recognized by ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for civic engagement efforts
Youngstown State University has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge with a 2026 Highly Established Action Plan Seal, an honor awarded to colleges and universities demonstrating a strong commitment to nonpartisan civic engagement, civic learning and student voter participation.
YSU was one of 243 campuses nationwide to receive the designation. The seal recognizes institutions that have developed comprehensive action plans to increase democratic participation and strengthen civic engagement among students.
YSU joined the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge in 2025 and recently submitted its first campus action plan. The plan outlines strategies to increase civic engagement across campus through voter education, civic learning opportunities and programs that encourage students to become informed and active participants in their communities.
“Receiving this recognition affirms YSU’s commitment to preparing students not only for successful careers, but also for engaged citizenship,” said Amy Cossentino, vice provost and dean of Sokolov Honors College and Cliffe College of Creative Arts. “Civic engagement is an essential part of the student experience, and we are proud to foster opportunities for students to learn about civic responsibility and participate in the democratic process.”
The recognition reflects the efforts of a cross-campus civic engagement team that collaborated to develop and refine YSU's first ALL IN action plan. The team continues to meet throughout the year to advance civic learning, support voter engagement efforts and foster a culture of informed and active citizenship across campus.
The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. Through its framework, institutions develop data-driven action plans, assess student voter participation and implement programming designed to increase civic learning and electoral engagement.