College program zeros in on Youngstown and Warren students

WARREN

A nonprofit organization is increasing the number of students in the Mahoning Valley’s two urban school districts who are talking about college.

Mahoning Valley College Access Program saw increases in the number of students in Warren and Youngstown city schools receiving individual or group advising sessions about college and those completing federal financial-aid applications between 2014 and 2015.

The organization’s trustees hired a consultant in 2011 to measure its accomplishments during its 0-year existence and make recommendations for goals.

“The study found there was still a need and recommended that we drill back to Youngstown and Warren city schools specifically because there’s a bigger need,” said Lita Wills, MVCAP executive director since late 2012.

Between 2014 and 2015, the number of Chaney and East High and Choffin Career and Technical Center students who received individual advising increased 61 percent. The number participating in group advising increased 59 percent, and those completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid rose 70 percent.

Warren’s numbers increased 31 percent, 107 percent and 70 percent for individual advising, group advising and FAFSA completion, respectively.