St. Petersburg College Helping People Get Back To Work After Upheaval Of 2020

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — After so many lost jobs and social upset in 2020, communities are relying on their colleges more than ever to offer programs that will get people back to work and improving their financial situations and peace of mind.

Since 1927, St. Petersburg College has been doing just that – staying true to our roots by offering a high- quality education to students seeking pathways to greater opportunity. SPC serves Pinellas County and beyond with more than 110 degrees and certificate programs, as well as high-demand workforce certifications and short-term programs that offer great rewards.

Since COVID-19 struck last year, SPC has launched a rapid credentialing program that aims to get unemployed and underemployed individuals back on their feet in as little as a few weeks. The program includes credentials in one of 17 programs in fields including business, technology, healthcare, public safety, or engineering and manufacturing.

“There are great jobs available now in Tampa Bay for people with the right skills and credentials. The challenge is that even before COVID, many workers could not meet the rising industry demand for a more skilled and technically competent workforce,” said Michael Ramsey, SPC’s dean of workforce development. “This initiative is helping to bridge the gap between the skills the people in our community have and those that are in demand by employers, leading to better pay.”

Ranked the sixth Best College in Florida among participating colleges in the U.S. News & World Report 2020 Best Colleges study, SPC empowers its students by offering educational opportunities – along with the support that will help them find success and great-paying jobs.

SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams believes that, through our students, SPC elevate the community by providing an educated and skilled workforce.

“A lot has changed in our world, in our community and at St Petersburg College this past year,” Williams said. “Our purpose as a community college is more important now than ever as we are dedicated to getting our local residents to work in the best, shortest and most affordable way possible. As an inclusive institution, we work to help anyone who comes to us for a better education to improve their lives and their families’ lives economically, today and into the future. We proudly join our sister schools of the Florida College System in celebrating Community College Month knowing the huge impact community colleges have in our communities, our workforce and our economy.”

Here are some reasons that St. Petersburg College is a great asset to the community:

Work-based programs

SPC works closely with industry partners to make sure the curriculum aligns with local, regional and state business needs. The workforce programs provide individuals and corporations with the skills and certifications that today’s fast-paced and ever-changing workplace demands. The basic skills, continuing education, lifelong learning, certification, and industry-recognized exam prep courses help professionals stay current and develop new skills.

Affordability

Affordability is one thing that makes community college so vital, and it’s one of the ways that SPC brings an education within reach to all. SPC’s tuition is less than half that of a state university, and the work of its Student Financial Services department shows in the fact that over the past eight years, the amount of student loans borrowed by SPC students has plummeted by $50.5 million, and its financial aid awards amounted to more than $5.9 million in scholarships and more than $105.5 million in state and federal aid.

Results

SPC curates its programs with an end result in mind: Students get jobs in their chosen fields. The college ranks seventh among the 28 Florida colleges for the number of students obtaining targeted industry certifications in 2019-20, and its graduates rank first in the state for earning the highest entry-level wages. After graduation, 88 percent of students who earn associate in science degrees are employed or continuing their education.

Flexibility

The college believes that community college should be available to all: from the recent high school graduate to the working parent. SPC serves around 45,000 students each year – all with varying needs. That’s why it offers more than 50 programs fully online, as well as day, evening and weekend options, so that students can schedule classes around their existing schedules. Since learning styles and preferences differ, SPC offer classes in person, online, a blend of the two, or in our new LIVE Online format, which allows students to have a full, interactive classroom experience from their home computer.

Support

SPC’s dedication to its student success goes all the way to the individual student, which means that it addresses its students’ academic needs, as well as their non-academic ones. On the academic side, advisers assist students in selecting a relevant and streamlined pathway to a degree or certificate, saving money and time. It offers tutoring that can be easily accessed at times convenient for students. When a student nears the end of his or her program, it offers career counseling and job fairs that help them polish up their resumes and network with potential employers.

Non-academic services can sometimes be what makes or breaks a student’s efforts to earn a degree. SPC offers food pantries, clothing closets, free bus passes and even access to affordable childcare, on a limited basis.

The college’s caring reach is not limited to its campuses. SPC is such a part of the Pinellas County community that where there is need in the community, you’ll see SPC there helping to build a house, hand out food, and supply equipment or services, such as the college dental hygiene clinic. Whether it’s a hurricane or a pandemic, SPC is truly there for the entire community.

Community Resource

In addition to developing academic programs for Pinellas County residents seeking a college degree, SPC is committed to serving the diverse needs of families, businesses, professionals and individuals in the Tampa Bay area. From theater and musical productions to career service events, a museum, nature walk, the college offers something for everyone from students to residents.