STEUBENVILLE — After months spent painting, rebranding and rethinking how to pack the most punch into their new educational center, officials at Youngstown State University-Steubenville will open the doors Saturday so area residents — and prospective students — can see firsthand what they have to offer.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can tour the facility and talk to staff, while prospective students will be able to explore career options and apply for admission. The application fee will be waived for in-person applicants, and financial aid counselors will be on hand to offer one-on-one guidance.

Staff also will be available to help students who already have been accepted register for classes, Director of Marketing and Communications Rebecca Rose said.

“We’re very excited,” Rose said. “A lot of work has gone into this and we’re very excited to open the doors and welcome in the community and prospective students and show them what we have to offer.”

The inaugural programs of study include a dozen associate degree programs and four certificate programs, though Rose said that is “expected to grow.” Initial programs reflect conversations officials had with area employers, as well as market needs and student interest:

— College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: associate degrees in information technology, machining and welding; certificates in welding and machining.

— College of Health and Human Services: associate degrees in radiologic technology, nursing, criminal justice and social work; certificates in medical assisting and police academy training.

— College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Education: associate degrees in early childhood prekindergarten, CLASS, individualized studies and teacher education.

— College of Business Administration: associate degree in business administration.

The first day of classes will be Aug. 24.

“There’s been a ton of interest,” Rose said. “So we’re excited to have people come visit … we’ll have instructors there, admissions, financial aid and registration will be there in person so (prospective students) can ask questions. If they’ve already been accepted they can get help registering for classes. If they have questions about academic programs, we’ll have faculty and students on hand to talk to them about those programs and what goes into those degrees. And staff will be on hand from many other areas — student success, orientation leaders and things like that — to talk about our community engagement. There’s just going to be a lot of people in the building to talk about what it means to have YSU in the building, in Steubenville.”

Rose said officials “basically started from scratch” in developing the program.

“So to be able to offer these programs and get off the ground, get it moving, and see it grow is really exciting,” she said.