Sinclair Community College Inspires Next Generation of Innovators on Manufacturing Day

Sinclair Community College hosted the 2026 Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 2, 2026, with nearly 600 middle and high school students participating in hands-on activities to spark interest in exciting, rewarding careers in manufacturing.                                                      

This annual event highlights the critical collaboration between business, academia, and community leaders in building a skilled workforce that meets the demands of the manufacturing industry in the Dayton region and across Ohio.

School districts participating in Manufacturing Day are part of Sinclair’s FlexFactor Program, which utilizes outreach, recruitment, and STEM education to familiarize K-12 students with advanced manufacturing technology, entrepreneurship, and the education and career pathways that can lead to a STEM career.

Manufacturing Day is part of the national effort to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. This year’s event featured 560 students from area middle and high schools across the region, including Troy High School, Waynesville High School, Piqua High School, Greene County Career Center, Fairborn High School, Stebbins High School, Valley View High School, and Ponitz CTC.                                

Students engaged in interactive demonstrations and presentations from Sinclair’s Division of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, including Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, CNC Machining, Industrial Robotics & Automation, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and Welding.                                                    

“Sinclair Community College is proud to play a pivotal role in Manufacturing Day, offering hands-on activities, tours, and interactive workshops to showcase the diverse and rewarding careers within the manufacturing sector, said Karl Hess, Dean of Sinclair’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Division. “This annual event aligns with Sinclair’s mission to find the need and endeavor to meet it by providing top-tier education and training that equips students with the skills required to meet the growing workforce demands of advanced manufacturing employers and secure living-wage jobs.”                                                     

Since 2021, Sinclair Community College has brought FlexFactor to more than 2,500 students throughout the region, also introducing them to Manufacturing Day.

Manufacturing Day, an initiative of the Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, empowers manufacturers to come together and address their collective challenges and build excitement about manufacturing careers to help their communities and future generations thrive.