Electrical contractor group awards 3 YSU scholarships in 2025
Three local students pursuing degrees at Youngstown State University received a jolt of support thanks to the Youngstown LMCC scholarship through the YSU Foundation.
For 2025, three deserving recipients each received $500 scholarships: Braedyn Flynn, Zane Jakovina and Emme Rubin.
Inspiration sparked by family
Rubin, 21, is a Canfield graduate and pursuing a degree in business administration. Family roots are what connect her to IBEW Local 64.
Her uncle, Jason Rubin, is president of CR Electric, which is a NECA-IBEW contractor. After hearing about the scholarship, she was eager to apply.
“The $500 will help with tuition and housing. I feel very blessed and fortunate to have this opportunity,” she said.
Education has always been a priority, and she credits her grandfather, Marc Rubin, as a key influence and role model.
“He was an electrical engineer, and seeing his hard work inspired all of us. He’s someone we really look up to.”
Rubin plans to pursue internships before entering the workforce and wants to stay local after graduation. If the opportunity presented itself, she’d also consider working with her family.
“I’d love to help CR Electric grow even stronger. I’ll have a minor in accounting, too, so maybe I can help in that area.”
Opening doors beyond the electrical trade
Flynn, a 21-year-old Boardman High School graduate, is majoring in early childhood education at YSU. She also attended the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center and holds a cosmetology license.
Her father is a member of IBEW Local 64, which is how she found out about the scholarship.
Flynn works at a preschool and is gaining hands-on experience before heading into student teaching. Her goal is to become a kindergarten or first grade teacher and stay local after graduation.
The scholarship helps more than just her budget.
“Every little bit helps because I’m trying to pay for school on my own,” she said. “This is what I’ve always wanted to do, so I’m thankful.”
She credits her strong work ethic to watching her parents growing up.
“Dad always worked hard to provide for us, and my mom owned her own business and went back into nursing. I’ve always seen them work hard, and that’s what motivates me.”
Industries crossing paths
Jakovina, 25, grew up in Poland and is majoring in mechanical engineering at YSU. His connection to the electrical industry came through his part-time work at VEC Inc., a NECA-IBEW contractor.
He initially started as an intern at VEC, but the job evolved into a permanent position.
“I work in mechanical fabrication and do modeling for oil and gas sites,” he said. “It’s been a great opportunity. It’s nice that I get to experience two industries coming together.”
His work often blends engineering and electrical trade concepts like conduit runs, material usage and site layouts.
Jakovina is paying his own way through school and said the $500 scholarship makes a difference.
“I can stay focused, and I’m so grateful for that. I get to direct more of my attention to classes, and anything financially is a relief.”
He’s on track to graduate in spring 2026 and hopes to stay with VEC after earning his degree. If not, he’s still planning to stay close to home.
“I have a good support system and great people around me,” Jakovina said. “They’ve always told me to keep my head up and keep going.”
Each year, IBEW Local 64 and Mahoning Valley NECA awards scholarship funding to students who meet specific criteria.
To qualify, students must live in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties, maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher, and be affiliated with Local 64 or a signatory electrical contractor in the area.
NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.
