Senator Jon Husted Visits Sinclair to Discuss Workforce Pell Grant Program

United States Senator Jon Husted visited Sinclair Community College Wednesday afternoon to highlight the approval of Pell Grants being used for workforce credentials. Prior to a recent federal change, Pell Grants, which are federal funds for low-income students, could only be applied toward degree programs. This recent change to federal legislation now approves their use for short-term training programs that lead directly to in-demand jobs. Upon finalization of the Workforce Pell Grant regulations, Sinclair will be able to implement this new funding source for students seeking direct entry into the workforce.

Senator Husted’s work on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions was integral to Workforce Pell Grants’ inclusion into recent budget law. Yesterday’s visit further supports Senator Husted’s and Sinclair Community College’s support for expanding access to affordable job training and well-paying jobs.

"We are thankful to host Senator Jon Husted once again to Sinclair Community College,” said Dr. Steve Johnson, President & CEO. “Sinclair is the Dayton region’s premier workforce training and development program. This visit was an opportunity to demonstrate the quality education our students receive at Sinclair, where we provide a direct correlation between education and workforce.”

After hearing a brief overview about the college from Dr. Johnson, where the Senator learned about Sinclair’s technical programs in areas such as AI, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Advanced Manufacturing, Health Sciences, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Senator Husted’s guided tour was led by Dr. Rena Sebor, Provost & Chief Academic Officer at Sinclair. As part of the tour, which included Sinclair Board of Trustees Chair Bruce Feldman, Board of Trustee John Neff, and Board of Trustee Joe Sciabica, Senator Husted observed Sinclair’s Surgical Simulation Suite that encompasses a Simulated Operating Room, as well as a Simulation Center for students to observe their work, all housed within the Ned J. Sifferlen Health Sciences Center on Sinclair’s Dayton Campus.

“One of the ways the recent budget law prioritizes Ohio’s needs is by establishing Workforce Pell Grants,” said Senator Husted while speaking to reporters at Sinclair yesterday afternoon. “I fought to expand this resource so these grants could help more Ohioans earn industry credentials that lead to good-paying jobs. It was exciting to see how these new tools compliment Sinclair’s ongoing efforts to help Ohioans become career-ready, which keeps good jobs here in our state.”

Nationally recognized as the #1 college in the U.S. for student success, Sinclair offers educational opportunities that align with today’s workforce needs and serves as one of the most comprehensive and student-focused community colleges in the country, dedicated to helping area employers get customized training and leadership development.

With more than 325 academic programs, including both associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as one-year and short-term certificates, Sinclair offers exceptional educational opportunities that align with today’s workforce needs and tomorrow’s career goals.

Visit Sinclair’s Workforce Development Webpage to Learn More