Sokolov Honors College students present $10,000 check to United Way

Students in the Sokolov Honors College presented the United Way of Youngstown and Mahoning Valley with a $10,000 check following fundraising efforts last semester. Funds were raised through efforts connected with the Intro to Honors class and projects led by the Honors Trustees student organization.

First-year honors students learned about fundraising and developed projects to raise funds for the United Way during Fall semester. They hosted bake sales, created basket raffles, made jewelry, and partnered with local restaurants to host special fundraising events. Honors trustees raised additional funds through projects, such as the YSU driveway fundraiser which included students painting Pete and/or the YSU “Y” on driveways within a 30-mile radius of campus.

Amy Cossentino, honors dean and associate provost, underscored the value of this project as a prime example of community engagement and experiential learning.

“Through the efforts of all these students, they learned about the value of how giving back can make a difference to the agencies associated with United Way. They gained leadership and teamwork experience along with understanding the value of philanthropic efforts,” said Cossentino.

“Our United Way has an amazing relationship with the YSU Honors students. Anytime we need help, we can count on them,” said Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. “We are honored they chose us for their fundraising project. United Way’s motto is to Give, Advocate, Volunteer – YSU honors students exemplify this and are critical to the impact we are making in the Mahoning Valley. Thank you to all the students, honors trustees, and administrators for trusting us to be a partner.”

Cossentino also provided an update on the YSU process to apply for the Carnegie Foundation Elective Classification for Community Engagement designation.