Sinclair Community College Market Research Report

Background

Founded in 1887, Sinclair Community College is a public institution located in Dayton, Ohio. With an enrollment exceeding 30,000 students, it stands as one of the largest community colleges in the United States. Sinclair offers over 300 degree and certificate programs, encompassing specialized and technical fields that are in high demand within the Dayton region. The college's mission is to provide accessible, high-quality education that equips students with the skills necessary to succeed in today's job market. Sinclair's vision emphasizes lifelong learning and community engagement, aiming to meet the evolving needs of the workforce and society.

Key Strategic Focus

Sinclair Community College's strategic focus centers on delivering comprehensive educational programs that align with regional workforce demands. The college emphasizes:

Career-Oriented Programs: Offering a wide array of associate degrees and certificates in fields such as health sciences, engineering, and information technology.

University Transfer Pathways: Maintaining over 100 transfer agreements with four-year institutions to facilitate seamless progression for students pursuing advanced degrees.

Affordability and Accessibility: Providing one of the lowest tuition rates in Ohio, ensuring education remains accessible to a diverse student population.

Flexible Learning Options: Offering online courses and multiple campus locations, including regional centers in Centerville, Mason, and at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, to accommodate various student needs.

Financials and Funding

As of the end of the 2022 fiscal year, Sinclair Community College's endowment was valued at approximately $56.6 million, reflecting an 11.9% decline from the previous year. The college's total salary expenditure for 2022 was $161 million, with instructional salaries accounting for $23.1 million. In the same year, Sinclair received $6.22 million in federal grants and contracts, $775,000 from state grants and contracts, and $820,000 from local grants and contracts.

Pipeline Development

Sinclair Community College continually develops and introduces new programs to meet emerging industry needs. Recent additions include:

Electric Vehicle Service Technician Degree: Prepares students to work on Tesla electric vehicles, with Sinclair being the only certified Tesla trainer in the Midwest and one of eight nationwide.

Advanced Precision Machining Certificate: Equips students with skills in basic machining and CNC programming, addressing the manufacturing sector's demand for skilled technicians.

Computer Support Technician Certificate: Focuses on technical support, operating systems, and network troubleshooting, catering to the growing IT support field.

Polysomnography Certificate: Trains students to perform sleep studies, meeting the healthcare industry's need for sleep disorder diagnostics.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Sinclair Community College distinguishes itself through several innovative initiatives:

Digital Thread Initiative (DTI): A 33-month Department of Defense contract aimed at modernizing manufacturing education by integrating Industry 4.0 technologies. The DTI involves collaboration across multiple academic departments and industry partners to develop curricula that reflect current manufacturing practices.

FlexFactor Program: In partnership with NextFlex, this program introduces K-12 students to advanced manufacturing technologies and STEM careers through problem identification, product ideation, and business modeling.

Fortinet Academic Partner Program: Sinclair has joined this program to enhance its cybersecurity education offerings, providing students with access to industry-recognized certifications and hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment.

Leadership Team

Sinclair Community College's leadership is headed by:

Dr. Steven L. Johnson: Serving as President and CEO, Dr. Johnson has been instrumental in expanding the college's programs and partnerships, focusing on aligning education with workforce needs.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The community college sector in Ohio is characterized by a competitive landscape with institutions striving to offer affordable, accessible, and high-quality education. Key factors influencing the market include:

Affordability: Tuition rates are a significant consideration for students, with institutions like Sinclair offering some of the lowest rates in the state.

Program Diversity: Colleges are expanding their program offerings to include emerging fields and technologies to meet workforce demands.

Transfer Agreements: Establishing partnerships with four-year institutions to facilitate seamless student transfers is a common strategy.

Competitor Analysis

Sinclair Community College's primary competitors include:

Clark State College: Located in Springfield, Ohio, Clark State offers a range of associate degrees and certificates, with a focus on technical education and workforce development.

Edison State Community College: Based in Piqua, Ohio, Edison State provides diverse programs and has established transfer agreements with numerous four-year institutions.

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College: Situated in Cincinnati, Ohio, this college offers extensive technical programs and has strong ties with local industries.

These institutions share similarities with Sinclair in terms of program offerings and target demographics, contributing to a competitive educational environment.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Sinclair Community College has established several significant partnerships to enhance its educational offerings and align with industry needs:

Fortinet Academic Partner Program: As the first higher education institution in Ohio to join this program, Sinclair provides students with access to Fortinet's Network Security Expert Certification curriculum, addressing the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals.