Lt. Governor Tressel Discusses College Credit Plus Expansion at Sinclair Community College Workforce Roundtable
More high school students will be able to earn free college credit to pursue opportunities in advanced manufacturing
 Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited Sinclair Community College Tuesday for his latest workforce roundtable discussion. He was joined by local business and education leaders, including SCC President Dr. Steve Johnson and SCC Board of Trustees Chair Bruce Feldman.
(DAYTON, Ohio)—Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited Sinclair Community College today as part of his ongoing work to evaluate the workforce strengths and needs of regions across the state.
The Lt. Governor joined local education, business, and community leaders for a roundtable discussion, which largely focused on Sinclair being among the first schools in Ohio to offer expanded access to College Credit Plus classes through a new Statewide Innovative Waiver.
“As we continue our work to ensure Ohio’s workforce is prepared to take advantage of the incredible opportunities we have coming our way, we keep hearing as we go across the state just how important it is to get students excited about high-demand industries as early as possible,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “The expansion of our College Credit Plus program doesn't change what it takes for students to earn an industry-recognized credential or certificate. Rather, it opens the door for more students to get a head start in fields we need.”
“At places like Sinclair, we’re creating real pathways for students to step into these careers and fill the jobs that are coming to Ohio.”
 The roundtable focused on Sinclair being among the first schools in the state to participate in the new College Credit Plus Statewide Innovative Waiver.
Announced last week by Lt. Governor Tressel, the waiver eliminates barriers that previously prevented some high school students from taking part in College Credit Plus – Ohio’s dual enrollment program offering students in grades 7-12 the chance to earn free college credits through courses at Ohio colleges or universities.
The goal of the waiver is to provide more students with pathways to earn an industry-recognized credential or certificate tied to high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.
“Expanding College Credit Plus through our Statewide Innovative Waiver is a critical step in strengthening Ohio’s workforce pipeline,” said Chancellor Duffey. “By breaking down barriers to access, we’re giving more students the chance to earn college credit and credentials while still in high school, which benefits both the students and the employers eager to hire them. Sinclair Community College is a prime example of how our institutions can play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation for the careers of tomorrow, and we hope more institutions across the state are soon to follow their lead.”
The Statewide Innovative Waiver is available to all public two-year and four-year colleges and universities, as well as independent campuses.
Sinclair is among the first schools in Ohio to receive approval to utilize the waiver, along with Columbus State Community College and Lorain County Community College.
“The implementation of the Statewide Innovative Waiver represents a significant advancement for Sinclair and the Dayton region,” said Dr. Steve Johnson, President and CEO of Sinclair Community College. “We are thankful to both Lt. Governor Tressel and Chancellor Duffey. Today’s visit was an opportunity to demonstrate the quality education our students receive at Sinclair and the critical need for skilled professionals in the advanced technologies industry, where Sinclair provides a direct correlation between education and workforce. By broadening access to manufacturing-focused College Credit Plus coursework, we are providing high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while developing industry-aligned skills that meet the evolving needs of our regional workforce.”
 Dr. Steve Johnson presented during the roundtable discussion – discussing SCC’s status as one of the top workforce development programs in the Dayton region.
At Sinclair, 20 courses and three credentials are now accessible through the Statewide Innovative Waiver, including: Semiconductor Fundamentals, Semiconductor Maintenance Technician, and Manufacturing Technology Associate of Applied Science. These courses and credentials teach the manufacturing skills needed for students to be able to thrive in today’s high-tech environment, including training on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting modern industrial machinery.
The roundtable discussion also included the director of career technical education and a student from nearby Stebbins High School, who spoke about the benefits of the waiver and allowing more students to participate in College Credit Plus classes.
 Liam Simpson, a senior at nearby Stebbins High School, spoke during the roundtable to discuss his participation in the College Credit Plus program at Sinclair – noting the credits he has earned will take a year’s worth of tuition off his plate.
Following the roundtable discussion, the Lt. Governor joined Dr. Johnson, Chancellor Duffey, and other Sinclair officials for a tour of the college’s robotics lab.
Sinclair’s robotics program has been able to upgrade its equipment in recent years thanks in part to state funding provided through RAPIDS grants. These grants support universities, community colleges, and career technical centers in purchasing state-of-the-art machines for students to use in education and training programs tailored to regional workforce needs.
Between recent rounds of RAPIDS and Super RAPIDS grants, Sinclair has received over $1.7 million in state funding for equipment in its robotics, advanced manufacturing, IT/cybersecurity, broadband/5G, and semiconductor programs.
 Following the roundtable, Lt. Governor Tressel and Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey toured Sinclair’s robotics lab.
Lt. Governor Tressel’s visit to Sinclair marks another stop in his ongoing series of regional workforce visits across the state. Previous events have been held at Cleveland State University, Wright State University, the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College, at Stewart Glapat in Zanesville, North Central State College’s Kehoe Center, and Youngstown State University.
Under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine, the state has attracted a variety of economic development projects in recent years, which are bringing tens of thousands of new jobs to Ohio. To ensure the state’s workforce is trained and ready to fill these jobs, Governor DeWine announced in his recent State of the State Address that Lt. Governor Tressel would lead the administration’s effort to create Ohio's Workforce Playbook.
By examining the needs and circumstances of Ohio’s various regions, Ohio’s Workforce Playbook will develop a plan to retain existing talent, recruit new talent to Ohio, and rally Ohio’s existing workforce to greater productivity.
 Between recent rounds of RAPIDS and Super RAPIDS grants, Sinclair has received over $1.7 million in state funding for equipment in its robotics, advanced manufacturing, IT/cybersecurity, broadband/5G, and semiconductor programs.
Additional Media Contact:
Ohio Department of Higher Education
Jeff Robinson, Director of Communications
614-752-9487
jrobinson@highered.ohio.gov
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