Four students recently attend the Youth to Youth Leadership Conference sponsored by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. From left are Joselyn Erb, Kacy Hahn, Upward Bound Director Amy Taylor, Jessie Yu and Adalynn Allen. (Photo provided)

Four students from Upward Bound and Washington State College of Ohio – Jessie Yu, Kacy Hahn, Joselyn Erb, and Adalynn Allen – recently attended the Youth to Youth Leadership Conference, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

The conference, hosted at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, brought together over 180 participants from across the state to focus on leadership development, community-building, and youth empowerment.

During the event, the students created a community project aimed at promoting kindness in their schools and throughout Washington County. They shared their project ideas with fellow attendees, gaining valuable feedback and encouragement.

Looking ahead, these students have the opportunity to apply for grant funding through Youth to Youth to bring their kindness initiative to life in Washington County.

This effort is part of a broader mission to drive positive change, strengthen community engagement, and empower young leaders in the region.

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication these students have shown throughout this process,” said Amy Taylor, Director of Upward Bound at WSCO.

“Their commitment to making a difference in their community is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact they will achieve.”

The Upward Bound program at WSCO equips students with leadership skills, community service opportunities, and preparation for higher education. For more information about Upward Bound, visit wsco.edu/upward-bound.

For over 53 years, Washington State College of Ohio has been a cornerstone of the community, offering higher education and workforce training.

Committed to fostering growth and success, WSCO provides dynamic academic programs and pathways for personal and professional enrichment. To learn more about WSCO, visit www.wscc.edu or call 740.374.8716.