Sinclair Announces Integrated Technology Education Center (ITEC), a $30 Million Initiative Set to Meet the Convergence of IT, Cybersecurity, & AI

Sinclair Community College announced a ground-breaking, $30 million initiative to establish Sinclair as a national community college leader in technology innovation. Sinclair’s Building 8, on the Dayton Campus, will become the Integrated Technology Education Center (ITEC) - a centralized, flexible learning and research hub serving as the core connection for multiple college educational divisions designed to meet today’s convergence of IT, Cybersecurity, and AI.

"The launch of the $30 million Integrated Technology Education Center is a declaration of Sinclair’s unwavering commitment to the future of our students and our region,” said Dr. Steve Johnson, President &CEO at Sinclair. “ITEC will serve as a dynamic, flexible hub, firmly establishing Sinclair as a national leader in technology innovation - a place where students will gain the cutting-edge skills necessary to drive economic growth and secure our digital future."

The ITEC is a regional hub, developed in collaboration with employers across Dayton, for hands-on education preparing students for high-demand careers with flexible, stackable credentials and real-world learning environments. The ITEC will support existing programs at Sinclair in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Science, as well as expand the integration of technology skills across all academic divisions offered at Sinclair.

“At the heart of Sinclair’s ITEC initiative is a clear recognition that tomorrow’s students, and tomorrow’s workforce, must be prepared for a world where IT, cybersecurity, and AI are not optional skills, but fundamental tools in the toolbox for nearly every career,” said Joe Sciabica, Executive Director of the Employers' Workforce Coalition and Sinclair Board of Trustee. “Whether you're pursuing a future in healthcare, HVAC, welding, or advanced manufacturing… our goal is to ensure that every Sinclair student, no matter their chosen field, graduates not only with deep roots in their trade or profession, but also with the ability to navigate and contribute to the interconnected digital systems that define the modern workplace.”

The ITEC will include a full renovation and modernization of Building 8 into a 36,000 sq/ft. facility with a second-level 10,000 - 15,000 sq/ft. mezzanine. Anticipated to open in Spring 2027, the ITEC is estimated to initially serve upward of 7,500 students annually.

At Sinclair’s November meeting, the Board of Trustees approved a resolution to authorize the ITEC, which aligns as one of the staples of Sinclair’s strategic plan, “Unlocking Opportunity,” designed to ensure, through advanced research, more students enter and complete academic programs that lead directly to jobs paying a family sustaining wage. In addition, Sinclair’s strategic plan includes two (2) additional pillars; “AI Excellence at Sinclair”, as well as “Mitigating Learning Loss,” which will see the launch of “Sinclair Promise 2030,” a $1.7 million collegewide initiative focused on institutional readiness, innovative retention practices, and comprehensive student guidance.

Today’s announcement included hearing from Board of Trustees Joe Sciabica and Rob Connelly, Executive Chairman of The Henny Penny Corporation, as well as Senior Vice President & Provost Dr. Rena Sebor, Senior Vice President Dr. Melissa Tolle, and Dr. Angela Fernandez, Dean of Business & Services. Also speaking at today’s press conference was State Representative Tom Young (District 37).

Since FY19, Sinclair Community College has awarded more degrees and certificates than any other community college in Ohio. While Sinclair enrolls roughly 14% of Ohio community college (CCP) students, it produces 23% of Ohio’s degree and certificate completers, making this #1 in Ohio. On average, students at Sinclair who earn an associate’s degree, go on to earn $20,000 more per year their first year after graduation.

Sinclair’s Workforce Development offers a wide array of innovative, high-value programs including: AI, Advanced Manufacturing, Industry Credentials, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Organizational and Professional Development, Emerging Markets, Leadership, Information Technology, Online Learning, and more.