The Aspen Institute recently named Sinclair Community College as a top 25 community college in the nation, and community members, regional leaders, and U.S. Congressman Mike Turner joined together to celebrate the school.
Recently, federal and regional partners joined members of Sinclair Community College to announce the school’s selection as a Top 25 community college in the country by the Aspen Institute. This selection is not only one of prestige, but also places the college in the running for the 2028 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, America’s top recognition of performance and high achievement among two year higher education institutions. The prize comes with a $1 million award, as well.
The school announced it was in the running for this award at a press conference at its downtown Dayton campus in Building 12’s Great Hall. At the event, speakers talked about the importance of this national recognition not only for the school, but for the economic trajectory and workforce of the larger Dayton community. Sinclair Community College was among a pool of over 1,000 eligible community colleges around the nation, and was selected for its results in transfer and bachelor’s attainment, certificate and degree completion, and student learning, as well as its access for students.
In an article posted on Sinclair Community College’s website, Dr. Steve Johnson, who serves as the college’s President and CEO, was quoted about the selection, saying, “Being named a Top 25 community college by the Aspen Institute is a validation of the tireless work our faculty and staff perform every day to ensure our students succeed. This is not just a Sinclair win; it is a win for the entire Dayton region. It signals to the nation that we are producing the high-caliber talent necessary to fuel a modern economy.”
U.S. Congressman Mike Turner was in attendance at the celebration, as well. He spoke on the importance he places in his role as a member of the federal government in supporting and strengthening community college systems. He said, “Sinclair is engaged in the leadership of our community. Businesses seek to anchor their workforce development needs here. There are many who see their academic place go right through the path at Sinclair Community College.”
Also in attendance were a number of regional development and business leaders who also spoke about the impact of the announcement. The President and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition, Jeff Hoagland, was quoted as saying, “Whether it’s aviation, defense, or high-tech manufacturing, Sinclair’s reputation for producing highly skilled graduates gives us the leverage we need to win projects and bring high-paying jobs to the Dayton area. Sinclair is a world-class partner that allows us to tell prospective employers they’ll find the sustainable, elite talent pool they need to grow for decades to come.”
The president and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Chris Kershner, also noted that “Sinclair is a critical economic engine for our region. By aligning their curriculum directly with the needs of local industry—from advanced manufacturing to artificial intelligence (AI) to healthcare to advanced air mobility—Sinclair ensures that Dayton businesses have a 'day-one ready' workforce.”
The Sinclair Board of Trustees made a statement noting that it is pleased with the direction in which the school is heading. The Board of Trustees Chair, Bruce Feldman said to that effect, “To our faculty, staff, and administration: this honor belongs to you. To our Sinclair students and community leaders: this honor is for you. As a Board, we remain more committed than ever to ensuring Sinclair stays at the forefront of innovation, of access, and of opportunity.”
Vanessa Ward, who serves as the CEO of the Omega Community Development Corporation as well as a Sinclair Trustee, talked about an important point of the award as well, the aspect of equity, saying, “Sinclair is a vital partnership to the success of the Hope Zone Promise Neighborhood. By bringing Sinclair’s world-class educational resources directly into Northwest Dayton, we are removing barriers. I want to express my deep appreciation to Sinclair for their unwavering commitment —ensuring that every child and family in the Hope Zone has the support they need to dream big and the tools they need to achieve those dreams right here in our community.”
State Representative Tom Young of District 37, and Montgomery County Commissioner Carolyn Rice were also in attendance at the press conference.
The Aspen Prize is awarded every two years, and honors colleges that perform exceptionally well in five areas: access for all students, workforce success, transfer and bachelor degree attainment, certificate and degree completion, and teaching and learning.
More information about Sinclair Community College can be found at the school’s website.