OSU scholars program makes college possible for some Valley youths

YOUNGSTOWN

Those who have completed the program say it helped them achieve career goals. Students enrolled believe it’s changed their lives for the better and those about to begin look forward to the opportunities the program will afford them.

The Ohio State University Young Scholars Program started in Youngstown 26 years ago, offering scholarships to first-generation students from the city. More than 210 students have taken advantage of the offerings.

“It changed my expectations for myself — for the trajectory of my life,” said Cametreus Clardy, a senior at OSU who graduated in 2011 from East High School.

He’s majoring in special education.

Students apply to be Young Scholars while in middle school, usually at the suggestion of a teacher. They must have good grades, be enrolled in a college preparatory program, be first-generation college students and meet income requirements. Many are from minority or under-represnted groups.

To be accepted they secure a teacher’s recommendation and complete an interview. They must maintain a 3.3 GPA throughout school, although that’s going to increase to 3.5 for future classes, and attend after-school enrichment and academic workshops.

Students who do all of that are eligible for up to five years of full tuition, room and board at OSU.

It’s not easy, but students — past, present and future — say it’s worth it.

Read more of their stories in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.