Special Ceremony Recognizes 169 Graduates of Sinclair Community College Prison Education Program

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) and Dayton Correctional Institution (DCI) recognized 169 female students graduating from Sinclair Community College’s Prison Education Program on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. 

Sinclair Community College began offering post-secondary programming to incarcerated individuals in 1987 at DCI. Over the past five years, 614 incarcerated individuals at DCI have completed nearly 15,000 credit hours and earned more than 1,400 credentials (degrees and certificates) through Sinclair’s Prison Education Program.

“When I was scheduled for Sinclair orientation, it was as if all the work I had been doing and every change I had made finally had purpose. Nothing could prepare me for how being a college student would change my life. It was as if I was discovering who I was really meant to be. I was no longer a number. I was Danielle Carr, a first year Sinclair college student and business major,” said Danielle Carr, DCI-Sinclair graduate.

Sinclair currently offers seven associate degrees and 33 certificate programs to Ohio prison program participants.

“We are excited to celebrate our graduates on this momentous occasion!  This achievement shows their determination to better their lives and gives them a well-earned sense of pride.  None of this happens without the support of our great staff here at DCI and the commitment of our dedicated partners at Sinclair Community College,” added Shannon Olds, Warden – DCI.

Over the past year, DCI students achieved a 95% course completion rate through Sinclair’s Prison Education Program.

"Sinclair Community College is deeply committed to creating opportunities, particularly for those in our community who have faced significant barriers. We are dedicated to helping individuals unlock their potential and transform their lives. Our mission is to find the need and endeavor to meet it by providing pathways for second chances, empowering people to achieve success," said Dr. Steven L. Johnson, President of Sinclair Community College.

This year, Sinclair is serving more than 2,600 incarcerated individuals in degree and certificate programs in 16 Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC) facilities. 

Over the past five years, Sinclair’s prison students earned approximately 12,902 degrees and certificates. Since 2020, 763 associate degrees have been awarded to incarcerated students. 

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