YSU Foundation approves $1.4M in scholarship aid to YSU students

YOUNGSTOWN — The YSU Foundation Board of Trustees has voted to approve an additional $1.4 million in scholarship aid to YSU students for the 2020-21 academic year.

These funds will specifically assist students impacted by COVID-19 who are in financial need. Additionally, the foundation will provide $8.5 million in support of YSU students in the coming academic year, with a record total of $9.9 million in overall support.

The $1.4 million Emergency COVID-19 Scholarship will help a range of students, including those transferring to YSU, offering up to $4,000 in scholarship aid. Existing students and new incoming freshmen are also eligible to apply for the same funds. The funds will be awarded from the YSU office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Application information is expected to be announced in the coming months.

"The Emergency COVID-19 Scholarship plays an all-important role for students who are facing circumstances that impact their tuition expenses," YSU President Jim Tressel said in a news release.

Retention efforts are also a priority.

"YSU remains one of the most affordable universities in Ohio, but we understand students sometimes may need further support," Tressel said. "We want them to know there is an affordable, quality education available here at Youngstown State University."

The scholarship comes from the foundation's board-designated Merit Scholarship endowment funds. The foundation said that no donor endowments are affected, and those funds stay only within the donors' respective endowment accounts.

This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 1:10 PM with the headline "YSU Foundation approves $1.4M in scholarship aid to YSU students."