Youngstown State University earns Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification

Youngstown State University proudly announced today that it has been awarded the Carnegie Foundation Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a prestigious national recognition honoring institutions that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to meaningful, reciprocal partnerships with their communities.

The classification, granted by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, recognizes colleges and universities that integrate community engagement into their mission, culture, curriculum and operations through measurable impact. Founded in 1905 and chartered by an act of Congress, the Carnegie Foundation is a national authority on higher education classification.

YSU has adopted the Carnegie Foundation’s definition of community engagement, which emphasizes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their local, regional, national and global communities for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources. At YSU, this work connects academic expertise with community priorities to enhance teaching and learning, enrich scholarship and creative activity, prepare engaged citizens and address critical societal challenges.

“This recognition affirms what our community has long known—that Youngstown State University is deeply invested in partnerships that strengthen both student learning and community impact,” said President Bill Johnson. “Community engagement is central to our vision; it represents who we are and how we fulfill our public mission.”

During a news conference, YSU unveiled the Carnegie seal, laser etched by the staff at YSU’s Excellence Training Center and guests received a small keepsake seal also bearing the Know Y logo, to remind them of the continuing partnership between YSU and the community. Elected officials in attendance presented proclamations commending Youngstown State University’s continued community engagement journey.

“For every institution receiving this classification the meaning varies. For us at YSU, the City of YOU and the communities in which we are connected, the Carnegie Foundation’s Elective Classification for Community Engagement, represents a campus community culture of grit, gratitude and generosity,” said Amy Cossentino, dean of the Sokolov Honors College and associate provost for Experiential Learning and Engagement.

Community engagement at YSU is embedded in the curriculum through Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) courses, which integrate academic content with community-based experiences grounded in engagement, reciprocity, reflection, and public dissemination. To date, 61 courses across multiple disciplines have earned the CEL designation.

“A well-rounded education extends outside the classroom and prepares students for success in their post-graduation world. This designation recognizes Youngstown State’s commitment to community collaboration and engagement that benefits students, the university, the Mahoning Valley, and beyond,” said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey.

YSU’s engagement efforts are supported by YSU PenguinPulse, the university’s centralized platform for connecting campus and community partners and tracking engagement activity. Since fiscal year 2023, PenguinPulse has documented 233,575 verified engagement hours across 145 community partner affiliations, representing more than $8.1 million in estimated economic value.

The Carnegie Community Engagement classification is valid through 2032, at which time Youngstown State University will seek reclassification to maintain its status.

The CE Classification is awarded following a process of self-study by each institution. The classification has been the leading framework for institutional assessment and recognition of community engagement in U.S. higher education for the past 19 years with classification cycles in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2015, 2020, 2024, and now 2026.

Of the 237 institutions that earned the CE Classification in the 2026 cycle, YSU joins just 47 other institutions receiving the classification for the first time.

YSU will continue expanding experiential learning and workforce pathways; strengthening local, regional and global partnerships; and pursuing opportunities that benefit students and the broader community.