Youngstown State University has been honored with a prestigious national recognition for its exceptional community engagement. The university has received the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a highly selective award that celebrates institutions connecting their resources with local needs. This distinction places YSU among a small group of colleges and universities across the country that are making a real impact in their communities.
University President Bill Johnson described this achievement as a historic milestone for the institution. The classification is valid for six years and is awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Unlike many academic awards, this classification is an elective designation, requiring a self-study process and documentation of partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, and schools.
The review process focuses on evidence of the university's collaborative efforts, ensuring it's not just providing services but working alongside partners to solve problems. This approach, known as 'reciprocity', emphasizes a mutual exchange of knowledge and resources, aiming to work 'with' the community rather than 'for' it.
YSU's community initiatives include notable collaborations such as the 'Success Over 60' program with the Butler Institute of American Art and ongoing partnerships with the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. These initiatives demonstrate the university's commitment to making a positive impact in the region.
The American Council on Education's classification aims to encourage colleges to become more involved in their regions, and only a small percentage of higher education institutions in the United States currently hold this prestigious recognition.
