$1M grant to establish training center; BoT authorizes purchase

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and U.S. Rep Tim Ryan have announced that YSU is receiving a $1 million federal grant to help advance the university’s Excellence Training Center.

The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help YSU create a center that will provide advanced manufacturing training and education services for workers and students.

The project is a partnership between YSU, Eastern Gateway Community College, Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, Youngstown Business Incubator, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, and regional workforce development boards.

Meanwhile, the YSU Board of Trustees has authorized the purchase of the former Mahoning County Misdemeanant Jail to house the project. The property located at 360 W. Commerce St. is contiguous to the YSU campus and is currently owned by Mahoning County. The resolution authorizes President Jim Tressel to negotiate and purchase the property.

In addition to the $1 million from ARC, the state is providing $3 million through the state capital budget for the project. The university also plans to raise private funds for the project.