Connecting you to volunteer opportunities and the local community

When you volunteer, you can create an impact in YSU PenguinPulse. But you want to make sure you have the correct organization listed. Here's how to do that:

Impacts for YSU PenguinPulse events

If you found a volunteer opportunity through PenguinPulse and registered for it, creating an impact after you volunteer is simple. 

1️⃣ Go to that event page.

2️⃣ Click "Add Impact."

3️⃣ The organization will automatically be filled in. Continue filling out the rest of the impact form and submit.

Impacts for other types of volunteer work

If you volunteered through an activity you found on your own (e.g., coaching your high school's soccer team, helping your church's kids program, etc.), you will need to add an impact this way:

1️⃣ Click the user drop-down menu on PenguinPulse and select "Add Impact."

2️⃣ Start typing the name of the organization you served. A list will automatically start populating as you type. If you see the organization listed, select it. If you do not see it listed, scroll to the bottom of the list and click the last option, which reads: "Can't find the group? Create a write-in impact."

3️⃣ If you select the write-in option, you will now be able to type in the correct organization. You will also have to add the address of the location and a person to verify your impact along with their email address.

Following these steps will ensure your impact counts toward the right organization and is listed for you as such, and it will also speed the process of verification up by including the correct person to verify your hours.

Avoid adding impacts this way:

❌ Do not go to ysu.givepulse.com and simply click on the "Add Impact" button on the page. You will only use this option if the organization you helped was the university (volunteering for IGNITE, for instance).

If you do submit your impact this way and did not volunteer for YSU, your impact will be disputed, and you will have to resubmit. 

Proposals are now being accepted for the annual YSU Community Engagement Symposium, which will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026.

YSU students can fill out the form linked below to be considered for a presentation role. The deadline to submit a proposal is February 2. Your abstract should be no more than 250 words.

Questions can be directed to communityengagement@ysu.edu.

Laura Beadling is connecting students to the community in a big way through the Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature course, one of the latest to acquire a Community-Engaged Learning designation.

Students in the course work with the Trumbull County Historical Society (TCHS) on its launch of a new science fiction museum in downtown Warren. The National Museum of Science Fiction & Fantasy Arts is centered around more than 500 Hollywood original props donated by John Zabrucky for a variety of science fiction productions like Ghostbusters, Galaxy Quest, Men in Black, and many more.

One of Beadling's students checking out a National Museum of Science Fiction & Fantasy Arts prop.

Beadling guides students in working on projects that help create materials and resource lists for the museum and TCHS. In addition, the executive director and project manager come to the class to serve as real-world audiences for presentations and to give guest lectures about history and the museum. The students get a behind-the-scenes look at the props collection and have a chance to offer feedback and ideas for the museum. 

Students taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum.

Open volunteer hours with United Way

VARIOUS DATES

Volunteer at United Way's Volunteer Resource Center to help package and sort food and hygiene products to get delivered to nearby schools.

Abundance Giveaway

VARIOUS TIMES THIS WEEK

Heart Reach Neighborhood Ministries needs volunteers to help with their November giveaway of clothing, shoes, and housewares. Please scroll the linked page to view multiple opportunities.

Gift wrapping for Home Instead Home Health Care

THURSDAY, DEC. 11

Help wrap gifts for seniors at the Austintown office of Home Instead Home Health Care.

Satur-Day of Caring with United Way

SATURDAY, DEC. 20

On the third Saturday of every month, United Way hosts its Satur-Day of Caring, where volunteers pack groceries and deliver them to people who are unable to leave their homes.

American 250: Call for collaboration

ONGOING

YSU Humanities and Social Sciences is inviting Penguins to participate in America 250 at YSU: a year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of American Independence. Over the 2026 calendar year, a variety of programs and special events will be held, highlighting the many ways YSU and the people of the Mahoning Valley have shaped American life. The call for collaboration encourages others to submit their ideas for various monthly themes.

Greek Week Clothing & Food Drive

THURSDAY, NOV. 20

YSU chapters are competing to collect the most clothing and food donations for the community. If you have donations, please bring them and help us make a difference! 9am to 2pm; B018, Silvestri Hall.

Youngstown Holiday Parade

FRIDAY, DEC. 5

The City of Youngstown is in need of volunteers for the annual downtown Holiday Parade at the staging area (Covelli Centre parking lot) and along the parade route. 

WCBA partners with United Way for ‘United We Care’ volunteer day

Honors students partner with Habitat for Humanity to build playhouse for local family

The Office of Community Engagement is Youngstown State University's one front door for campus-community partnerships. Learn more here.

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Youngstown, OH 44555