Youngstown State University, as an important actor in the social, economic and political life of the Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania areas, seeks ways to better serve the community of which it is a part.

The Public Service Institute at Youngstown State University was created by the YSU Board of Trustees in 1985 to coordinate, promote and stimulate public service programs and activities offered by the University to the community. The University's investment in the Institute, staff, resources, and facilities has yielded a range of services that otherwise would be unavailable in this area.

At present, the Institute consists of two Centers: The Center for Human Services Development and the Center for Urban and Regional Studies. The Institute works with community organizations, as well as with University departments, to facilitate the extension of University resources into the community where they are needed.