Buckeye Reporter

Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio, said that advanced technology labs at a state college are helping equip students with the skills needed for today's job market.

"This morning, I visited Southern State Community College to tour their engineering lab, 3D print lab, and cyber lab, which are all filled with the latest technology to better prepare students to enter the workforce," said DeWine.

In 2025, Ohio expanded its workforce development strategy by investing nearly $60 million in grants for Tech Prep Regional Centers to boost career-technical education. According to the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, DeWine also proposed tying public university funding to job placement rates to ensure education aligns with labor market needs. These measures are part of a broader plan to strengthen Ohio’s workforce pipeline and economic competitiveness.

Southern State Community College enrolled 1,947 students in 2022, including 432 full-time and 1,515 part-time learners. Data USA and U.S. News reported that the college had a 25% graduation rate for first-time, full-time students and a 14% transfer-out rate. These metrics illustrate the college’s contribution to Ohio’s workforce training infrastructure and student progression through higher education.

Ohio workforce readiness data from Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools shows that more than two-thirds of students find employment after completing their programs, with some hired before graduation. Eastland-Fairfield reports that over 85% of adult students are job-ready upon graduation, outperforming other Ohio Technical Centers and many local colleges. These figures highlight the success of targeted technical education in preparing skilled workers.

Governor Mike DeWine, elected as Ohio’s 70th governor in 2018, has prioritized workforce development and education reform. The Ohio Capital Journal reported that DeWine's administration has linked university funding to graduate employment outcomes and increased investment in career-tech programs. His long public service career includes roles as Attorney General and U.S. Senator, with a strong policy focus on preparing Ohioans for in-demand careers.