Youngstown State University

Pete's Reading Club, sponsored by Ohio’s 529 College Advantage, is an incentive-based program designed to inspire children to read for enjoyment, along with an affordable option to attend YSU basketball games.

• Your school keeps track and determines the reading requirements for students to complete (number of pages, minutes or books read)
• Schedule your appearance for your group
• Schools receive Pete’s Reading Club bookmarks and Pete temporary tattoos
• Reading Club members who reach their goal receive one FREE general admission ticket to a YSU basketball game for the 2026-27 season
• School game dates must be selected by October 2026

Ticket Options

• All paid tickets will be $7 each (cash only)
• Purchase tickets through an online option with an additional fee of $3.25. Discover, Visa and MasterCard are accepted, and the discount is available only with a code provided to your families.
• Schools that purchase 50 or more tickets receive a Meijer rally towel for each Reading Club member

How It Works

• Sign up your school, organization or other group
• Determine your group’s reading requirements
• Determine a date for a mascot and/or student-athlete appearance
• Determine a game date for your group and their families to attend, based on availability (Basketball schedules should be finalized around September 2026)
• Send each participant home with an order form for discounted tickets for families

• Registration Form

For more information about Pete's Reading Club, contact John Vargo at 330-941-2392 or jwvargo@ysu.edu.

2025-26 Participants

West Boulevard Elementary; EJ Blott Elementary; Campbell Elementary; St. John Paul II Elementary; Niles Primary; Wee Care Day Care; Maplewood Elementary; BL Miller Elementary (Success After Six); St. Christine School; Crestview Elementary; Jackson-Milton Elementary; Austintown Elementary; Niles Preparatory Academy; Russell C. Phillips (Farrell) Elementary; Flying Trees Academy; Newton Falls Elementary; Southern Local Elementary; Summit Academy Youngstown Elementary; Badger Elementary