Sinclair re-enrolls 400 students who previously dropped out

After university staff ran a degree audit, they found that nine of the students were eligible to graduate with a degree or certificate without having to take additional classes because of a change in degree requirements and graduation requirements, said Sinclair spokeswoman Deena John.

These students are sometimes referred to as “stopped out students.”

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This initiative was funded and established by StriveTogether, a national non-profit network of nearly 70 community partnerships that work to ensure every child succeeds, regardless of race, income or zip code. Learn to Earn’s primary goal for Montgomery County is that by 2025, 60% of working-age adults will have a two- or four-year degree or credential.

“At Sinclair, we are deeply committed to eliminating barriers to school success, ensuring that we help more people in the Dayton area be college and career ready,” said Sinclair College President Steven L. Johnson. “With a focused effort on stopped-out students, we will help more adults earn credentials with labor market value, leading to family-sustaining wages and a stronger workforce for southwest Ohio.”

Many of these “stopped out” students dropped out of college for work related reasons, family struggles, health issues or financial hardships, John said.

The median age of those who re-enrolled is 47, and the majority are part-time students. They are enrolled in face-to-face classes, online classes and blended classes, which are a combination of online and in-person classes.

John said other colleges are aware of Sinclair’s work and are considering similar initiatives.

The University of Dayton does not have a formal program like this, according to spokeswoman Meagan Pant.

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Wright State often enrolls “stopped out” students, said spokesman Seth Bauguess, but also does not have a formal program like Sinclair.

“It is common for Wright State students to have stopped out here or from another school, take a break from college for personal reasons, and then enroll here,” Bauguess said. “Wright State is often a perfect fit for students like that.”