Youngstown Fund Aims to Change Local Students' Futures

$1.5M Scholarship Program Honors Roots of Donor William E. Maine Jr.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 3:31am

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A new $1.5 million scholarship fund established by the Maine Trust will support Mahoning Valley students, with preference given to those with Masonic parents or notable water-skiing talent. The William E. Maine Jr. Scholarship Fund is a partnership between Farmers Trust Co. and the YSU Foundation, honoring Maine's Youngstown roots and love of skiing.

Why it matters

The scholarship fund aims to provide educational opportunities and support for local students in the Youngstown area, helping to change the trajectories of young people's lives. This aligns with broader efforts to invest in the community and retain talent in the region.

The details

The new scholarship fund will be managed by Farmers Trust Co. and the YSU Foundation. It will target Mahoning Valley students, with a preference for those with Masonic parents or notable water-skiing talent, honoring the donor's interests. The fund was established by the Maine Trust to support local students and their futures.

  • The new $1.5 million William E. Maine Jr. Scholarship Fund was established in February 2026.

The players

William E. Maine Jr.

The donor who established the $1.5 million scholarship fund, honoring his Youngstown roots and love of skiing.

Farmers Trust Co.

The company partnering with the YSU Foundation to manage the new scholarship fund.

YSU Foundation

The organization partnering with Farmers Trust Co. to manage the new scholarship fund.

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What’s next

The scholarship fund will begin accepting applications from Mahoning Valley students in the coming months, with the first awards expected to be distributed for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The takeaway

This new scholarship fund represents a significant investment in the future of Youngstown students, providing educational opportunities and support that could help change the trajectory of young people's lives in the region.