The Youngstown Business Incubator has been selected to receive $35,000 from the Taco Bell Foundation’s 2025 Community Grant.

This marks the second year YBI has been selected.

In a news release issued Friday, the YBI said the funds will support career exploration and awareness in the Youngstown area through virtual reality lesson plans. An incubator official said it will be able to reach 1,200 underserved students.

“This grant allows us to bring immersive career exploration experiences to even more students in our community,” said Megan Payich, YBI’s director of Explore VR.

“We’re grateful to the Taco Bell Foundation and its local franchise partners for believing in our mission and investing in the potential of our youth.”

The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in community grants this year to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide.

YBI was nominated for the grant by a local Taco Bell franchisee, whose continued commitment to uplifting youth has helped expand access to education, mentorship and career readiness programs across the community.

“This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the limitless potential that exists when we remove barriers and open doors, “said Lisa Lane Cardin, the foundation’s executive director.