Archbold, Ohio – Northwest State Community College is joining community colleges across the state this month to highlight the essential role that two-year colleges play in preparing Ohioans for in-demand careers and providing an affordable pathway to higher education.
Community College Month, celebrated in April by proclamation of Gov. Mike DeWine, is an opportunity to raise awareness about the economic, academic, and workforce impact of community colleges.
Now more than ever, Ohio’s community colleges are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of both students and employers, said NSCC President Dr. Todd Hernandez.
“We provide affordable, flexible, and career-focused education that helps students gain skills quickly and gives employers the talent they need to grow in the ever-expanding high-tech economy of the 21st century,” Dr. Hernandez said.
Each year, Ohio’s 22 community colleges serve approximately 250,000 students. This includes high school students earning college credit through Ohio’s College Credit Plus program, recent high school graduates, working adults, veterans, career changers, and adults seeking short-term training to quickly gain new skills or advance in their careers.
Students can earn industry-recognized certificates, associate degrees, or begin a bachelor’s degree before transferring to a four-year university.
The combination of affordability and workforce alignment sets Ohio’s community colleges apart, said Avi Zaffini, president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges.
“Our colleges serve as Ohio’s top workforce partner and deliver the best value in higher education,” Zaffini said. “They respond quickly to employer needs, offer education close to home, and create clear pathways into good-paying jobs or on to a four-year degree.”
Ohio’s community colleges are widely recognized as the state’s top workforce partner and the best value in higher education, Zaffini added.
Through close collaboration with more than 1,000 employers statewide, community colleges align education and training with real-world job needs across healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, logistics, and the skilled trades.
During April’s Community College Month celebration, Northwest State is also celebrating student excellence. Northwest State is proud to announce that Brady Clark and Seth Hathaway have been named to the 2026 All-Ohio Academic Team (third team), a statewide honor recognizing outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, and community service.
The All-Ohio Academic Team includes high-performing students who are planning to transfer to four-year institutions as well as those who intend to move directly into the workforce.
Honorees are nominated by their colleges and recognized alongside peers from community colleges across Ohio during Community College Month.
Throughout April, Northwest State will also host Community College Month activities, including a Job & Career Fair, Scholarship Awards Reception, TRIO Annual Awards event, as well as campus tours, advising sessions and much more for the current summer and fall registration period. Community members are encouraged to participate and share their stories highlighting the impact of community colleges.
To learn more about programs at Northwest State Community College, visit NorthwestState.edu or call 419-267-1320 today.