YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Residents in northeastern Ohio at least 60 years old can earn college tuition credits by volunteering at youth-oriented programs.
“GIVE back. GO forward” is a pilot program announced recently at Youngstown State University. It allows seniors who volunteer at least 100 hours at certain organizations to earn three credit hours at Youngstown State University or Eastern Gateway Community College.
The program was developed by state officials with support from Gov. John Kasich.
The Vindicator reports that officials hope the pilot can be expanded.
Volunteers have until May 31, 2016, to earn 100 service hours. They can earn one tuition waiver per year and it must be used within five years.
Youngstown and Eastern Gateway will each provide 50 tuition waivers. The volunteers can give their tuition waivers to students.
“I have a dear friend who is an incoming freshman” at Youngstown State, said, Elsie Dursi, a retired social worker who has signed up to participate. “She needs all the financial help she can get. She plans to be a teacher.”
