GIVE back. GO forward program piloted at YSU

YOUNGSTOWN

Thanks to the efforts of his grandmother, Youngstown State University freshman Michael Kacir will get to take one of his classes for free next semester. 

Paula Kacir, of Lowellville, is the first person in the state to complete the 100 volunteer hours required to participate in "GIVE back. GO forward," an Ohio Higher Ed program piloted at YSU and Eastern Gateway Community College. 

The colleges award a tuition waiver for 3 credit hours to the recipient of choice after an area resident aged 60 or older spends 100 hours volunteering at a local organization. Paula gifted her grandson with the tuition waiver after volunteering for the United Way.

The two, along with YSU President Jim Tressel, Kathy Mock of United Way of Youngstown and Mahoning Valley, and Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor John Carey spoke at a news conference at the Youngstown Historical Center of Labor and Industry this morning to celebrate the first tutition waiver award. 

Carey said his administration has plans to expand the program to other parts of the state. 

"We're going to take what you've learned here and replicate it across the state," he said. "You're making history today."