YSU alumna turns passion for helping others into path toward social work career with Insightful Empowerment Scholarship

Student Spotlight

Lauren Beaver, a Youngstown State University Bachelor of Social Work alumna who is continuing her education in YSU’s Master of Social Work program, is the fourth recipient of the Insightful Empowerment Scholarship Program of East Palestine. After earning her bachelor’s degree, Beaver became a Licensed Social Worker in Ohio and is continuing her education while pursuing her passion for serving others.

The Insightful Empowerment Scholarship Program of East Palestine was created following the Feb. 3, 2023, train derailment in East Palestine. The scholarship provides full funding for tuition, books, fees and parking to YSU graduate students in counseling or social work programs.

Beaver was selected for her dedication to her community, commitment to serving others and the impact she hopes to make through her work.

“Throughout the selection process, Lauren stood out for her compassion, empathy and genuine ability to connect with people,” said Jessica Oates, founder and counselor at Insight Clinical Counseling & Wellness. “We are honored to invest in Lauren’s future and cannot wait to see the impact she will make on our community.”

Beaver grew up near East Palestine and spent much of her time in the community.

“I kind of grew up in East Palestine, so whenever the train derailment happened, we all got a letter in the surrounding areas for it,” Beaver said. “Insight’s been involved in East Palestine for a few years now. So once I found out that they were doing a scholarship involved with the train derailment, I knew I had to apply and see if I could get it.”

During her time at YSU, Beaver has participated in many on and off campus activities that she credits in part for her success. She has participated in group work in class, made blankets at Maag Library to give to people experiencing homelessness and worked with sororities to hold fundraising events. At YSU, Beaver has been offered many opportunities to get involved with the university and community.

Several YSU faculty members have also helped Beaver throughout her college experience. As a first-generation college student, Beaver said her adviser, Kari Milliron and former department chair Dana Davis helped her adjust to YSU by providing encouragement and someone to talk to. She credits Heather Eynon with her professional introduction to social work.

“Heather Eynon, she’s the intro to social work professor, and she is just amazing at introducing students into social work as a profession, and getting us excited and ready to do this, and also challenging us to really start thinking as social workers,” Beaver said.

Beaver returned to YSU to pursue a master’s degree in social work. She credits this decision to the relationships she has built through YSU and the opportunities the university has given her to grow professionally and academically.

The Insightful Empowerment Scholarship has meant a lot to Beaver, and she recognizes it as a significant achievement. As she prepares for graduate school, Beaver has been concerned about finances, but the scholarship has allowed her to shift her focus.

“Receiving the scholarship meant I didn’t have to spend as much time worrying about how I’m going to pay for school,” Beaver said. “Instead, I’m able to focus on my clients, my education and just becoming the best social worker and counselor I can be.”

The Insightful Empowerment Scholarship requires students to participate in an internship program at Insight Clinical Counseling and Wellness. While Beaver has not started her internship yet, she completed a previous internship with Threshold Residential Services, also located in East Palestine, that has helped prepare her for the future opportunity.

“They just really helped teach me the importance of giving people a voice, especially individuals who may not always have the opportunity or ability to advocate for themselves,” Beaver said. “It also taught me to meet clients where they are and to look at their situation from a more holistic perspective rather than just focusing on one diagnosis or problem. I’m really hoping to just take those lessons with me into my internship at Insight.”

Beaver hopes to continue learning and growing professionally through both her internship at Insight and her studies at YSU. She said the lessons she has learned while studying at YSU will help her continue to grow into a more well-rounded professional and connect with clients.

For students coming to YSU, Beaver offered this advice:

“I’d say my biggest advice would just be to put yourself out there, even if you’re nervous about it,” Beaver said. “When I first came to college, I was super nervous about getting involved in things and really wasn’t sure where I’d fit, but those experiences are some of the most meaningful ones I’ve had. It all comes from just taking that first step and saying yes to opportunities and getting yourself involved in things.”

The Insightful Empowerment Scholarship Program of East Palestine is about more than providing financial aid for students. For Beaver, it is an opportunity to continue her education while giving back to her community. The aftermath of the train derailment was devastating for the East Palestine community, and Beaver is proud to take something positive from the experience that she can use to help the community while furthering her education.

As Beaver begins the next chapter of her education in YSU’s Master of Social Work program, the scholarship will allow her to continue building on the knowledge, relationships and professional experiences she gained as an undergraduate. Through her studies and upcoming internship, Beaver hopes to use those experiences to serve others and make a meaningful impact in East Palestine and surrounding communities.