CELINA, OHIO — Building a stronger regional workforce through meaningful conversation, collaboration and connections was the focus of the 2026 Regional Workforce Summit on March 11 at Wright State University–Lake Campus.

The Regional Workforce Summit brought together business, education and community leaders to discuss a shared challenge: how to prepare the next generation workforce for opportunities ahead. 

Participants left with a sharper understanding of regional workforce needs, new partnership opportunities and ideas that could develop into programs, internships and career pathways for students.

“Wright State’s Lake Campus is deeply rooted in this region, and that means our success is tied to the strength and growth of the communities we serve,” said Wright State University President Sue Edwards. “When we partner with local businesses and community organizations, we’re not just preparing students for jobs — we’re helping build a community where people want to live and work.”

A highlight of the summit was “Bridging the Gap: Industry Insights,” a candid roundtable where Wright State students joined industry leaders to share their perspectives on preparing for their careers, the importance of internships and hands-on experiences and stronger connections with regional employers.

The conversation gave employers insight into the aspirations and concerns of the region’s emerging workforce and gave students a rare seat at the table with community and business leaders.

For Wright State’s Lake Campus, bringing regional leaders together helps the campus align its academic programs with employers’ needs, said Andrea Faber, vice provost and chief administrative officer of the Lake Campus. 

“These conversations ensure we are preparing our students for the skills employers need today and in the future,” Faber said. “When we collaborate, we can create career opportunities and retain our talented youth here in West Central Ohio.”

Close relationships with local employers also ensure the Lake Campus provides students with valuable internships, clinical opportunities and hands-on experiences.

“The Lake Campus works closely with employers to ensure our programs align with workforce needs,” Faber said. “The Lake Campus has a long history of serving as a hub connecting education, industry and community leaders. For our students, this means our programs are aligned with local careers and stronger connections to employers.”

Regionally, employers report a tightening labor market and difficulty finding qualified workers. One of the Lake Campus’ priorities is preparing young people to enter the local workforce — and stay in the area.

Jared Ebbing, the community and economic development director of Mercer County and a member of the Wright State Board of Trustees, said the summit reflected the Lake Campus’ unique role in the region. 

“As someone who cares deeply about both Mercer County’s future and Wright State’s mission, the Lake Campus is the bridge between the two,” Ebbing said. “Our future workforce is right here on campus. Today was about making sure our regional partners know how to reach them.”

The Regional Workforce Summit also included remarks from Shawn Hendrix, manager of talent strategy at JobsOhio; Jon Dingledine, chief executive officer of Mercer Health; and David Burrows, executive vice president for engagement at the Dayton Development Coalition.

The summit was sponsored by American Rheinmetall, Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce, Crown, Dayton Development Coalition, JobsOhio, Grand Lake Health System, Mercer Health, Midmark, Weaver Eggs, West Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership and the Western Ohio Educational Foundation.