YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Administrators with Youngstown State University are hoping their strong ties with the community will earn them some recognition from the prestigious Carnegie Foundation.

The YSU Office of Community Engagement and the Sokolov Honors College kicked off what’s being called “The Road to Carnegie.” Students and staff will be applying to the foundation hoping to be chosen for its classification to honor the programs connecting students and staff with the Valley.

“We might not have everything perfect, but what we’re doing is we’re learning so much about where our opportunities are for growth and what we’re doing right. And as we continue to grow, we can continue to address those needs of the community,” said Dr. Amy Cossentino, dean of YSU Honors College.

Organizers will be collecting information on the various classes and programs the university offers. The application will be made a year from now and officials will learn if they’ve been chosen in early 2026.