St. Petersburg College Drives Economic Growth in Education

Students actively participating in classes at St. Petersburg College, highlighting the college's focus on education and community.

News Summary

St. Petersburg College (SPC) has reported an astounding $3.2 billion economic impact on the Tampa Bay area, reinforcing its critical role in local education. Each taxpayer dollar contributes approximately $13 back to the economy. With initiatives like the ‘Back to Finish’ program and an upgrade to a bachelor’s degree in Digital Media, SPC continues to address workforce needs. The Hillsborough Education Foundation’s new leadership also emphasizes educational advancement across the region, which is reflected in the local school districts’ impressive performances in recent rankings.

St. Petersburg – St. Petersburg College (SPC) has reported a significant $3.2 billion economic impact on the Tampa Bay area for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. This impressive impact comes as SPC continues to serve as a pivotal educational institution within the region.

For every dollar contributed by taxpayers to St. Petersburg College, the community sees an approximate $13 return in economic impact, showcasing the institution’s role as an invaluable asset to the local economy. In addition to its financial contributions, SPC has recently launched a new program in partnership with the Wells Fargo Foundation, aimed at assisting businesses in growing by an average of 15%.

Another initiative introduced by SPC is the “Back to Finish” program, which is specifically designed to help individuals who have some college credits or no degree complete their first associate degree in less than a year. This program not only addresses the needs of prospective graduates but also responds to the workforce demands within the region.

Students at SPC are expressing enthusiasm about the advancement of their educational offerings. The college will upgrade its Digital Media program to a bachelor’s degree, with the change set to take effect in Fall 2023. The development of this new bachelor’s program is being overseen by Kelley Goethals, who has recently relocated to the Tampa Bay area to lead this initiative.

In the current Spring semester, SPC awarded a total of 1,342 degrees, reflecting its commitment to providing quality education opportunities. Currently, the college offers over 200 degrees, certificates, and transfer programs to cater to the diverse needs of its students and the local workforce.

In addition to SPC’s developments, broader educational progress is being observed throughout the Tampa Bay area. The Hillsborough Education Foundation has appointed Sean Shaw, a public education advocate and former Florida House Representative, as the new chairman of its board, effective May 29. The foundation has played a crucial role in supporting education in the area, awarding over $1.4 million in scholarships to low-income students during the 2023-2024 academic year. Shaw emphasizes the importance of public education for student success, reflecting the ongoing advocacy for improved educational standards.

Recent state rankings highlight the educational achievements of local school districts as well. Sarasota’s school district achieved the No. 5 rank in Florida, earning an “A” grade with a score of 69%, based on various components such as graduation rates and student performance. Meanwhile, Pinellas County schools ranked No. 15 and also received an “A” grade with a score of 65%.

Further results reveal that Hillsborough, Hernando, and Pasco counties received B ratings, while Citrus and Polk counties fell behind with C ratings. This grading system, newly introduced this year, evaluates schools based on multiple academic metrics to provide a comprehensive overview of school performance.

In a broader context, Florida has now ranked first overall in education across the United States for the second consecutive year. This recognition reflects recent efforts under Governor Ron DeSantis to enhance the quality of education statewide, along with initiatives such as the revamped grading system that aims to foster academic excellence.

In summary, St. Petersburg College not only significantly boosts the local economy, but continues to expand its programs and opportunities for students, aligning with the advancing educational quality across the Tampa Bay area.