Celebrating Five Years of the Vincent and Phyllis Bacon STEM Fellowship for YSU Students

Celebrating Five Years of the Bacon Fellowship

The Vincent and Phyllis Bacon STEM Entrepreneurship Fellowship, established through a significant endowment, has made a remarkable impact on students at Youngstown State University (YSU) in its five years of operation. Partnering with the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI), this fellowship has facilitated over 30 hands-on STEM internships, creating pathways for career growth and practical experience in technology and manufacturing fields.

A Vision for the Future

Launched in 2021 with nearly $1 million from Vince and Phyllis Bacon, the fellowship was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice. By providing YSU students with internships at YBI portfolio companies, it gives them a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills and insights in real-world environments. Students like Tyler Barzak, the first Bacon Fellow, have successfully transitioned from internship roles to full-time positions within YBI's network. Barzak’s experience at JuggerBot 3D not only granted him practical exposure but also laid the groundwork for his current role at Ursa Major.

The Bacon Fellowship has placed interns in numerous notable companies, including Bearing Distributors Inc. (BDI), Tailored Alloys, and VISTA/AST, among others. Over the years, four fellows have secured full-time positions within these organizations, confirming the effectiveness of this initiative.

Testimonials from Participants

Interns have praised the program for its enriching experience, emphasizing the mentorship received and the confidence built through their practical assignments.

Tyler Pagley, lead additive manufacturing engineer at BDI, notes that the Bacon Fellows have significantly contributed to their team by not only supporting production but also learning advanced technologies that benefit the company. The interns’ enthusiasm and willingness to learn have forged a beneficial relationship between YBI companies and skilled local talent.

Similarly, Dr. Amiel Bernal, COO of Tailored Alloys, highlighted that his company is on track to hire a second full-time employee from the talent pipeline created by the fellowship, demonstrating how this initiative supports the development of future industry leaders.

A Model for Success

Colleen Kelly, YBI’s senior vice president, reflects that the Bacon Fellowship program is precisely the type of initiative that YBI was designed to support. More than just an education program, it represents a commitment to cultivating the next generation of skilled professionals in Ohio, which positions the state as a leader in business. In light of recent accolades, including being named the top state for business by CNBC, initiatives like the Bacon Fellowship are critical for enhancing Ohio's workforce.

Continuing the Mission

As the fellowship continues to grow, it remains committed to connecting YSU students with the manufacturers and technology firms that are driving growth in the Mahoning Valley and beyond. The partnerships formed through this initiative extend the impact of the fellowship, creating a robust ecosystem that supports innovation and community development.

For those interested in learning more about the Bacon Fellowship program, visit the YBI website to discover how this unique initiative is shaping the future of STEM education and workforce development.