[{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"2402|1378|1379|2114|1325|1320|2338|2210","Content":"<p>As St. Petersburg College approaches its <a href="/pathway-to-better" title="Pathway To Better">100th anniversary</a> in 2027, the College continues to build on its legacy as a cornerstone of workforce education in the Tampa Bay region — preparing students for in-demand careers while strengthening the community and workforce pipeline.</p><p>That commitment is reflected in SPC’s partnership with Duke Energy, which is helping create career pathways for students pursuing high-demand jobs in the electrical utility industry.</p><p>Through the Duke Energy Foundation, SPC received a $50,000 grant to support the College’s Electrical Lineworker Training Program, which prepares students for entry-level utility careers through industry-recognized training and hands-on experience.</p><p>“Our partnership with Duke Energy is a powerful investment in the future of our region, creating a pipeline of highly skilled, job-ready lineworkers,” said Belinthia Berry, Dean of Workforce Development at SPC. “By aligning training with industry needs, we are creating real opportunities for students to step into rewarding careers while helping meet the workforce demands of our growing communities.”</p><h2>A Legacy of Workforce Education</h2><p>For nearly a century, SPC has helped students build better futures while meeting the workforce needs of the region. From healthcare and public safety to advanced manufacturing and skilled trades, the College prepares students for careers that strengthen families, communities and the local economy.</p><p>The Electrical Lineworker Training Program is one example of that mission in action, connecting students to hands-on training that leads directly to employment and long-term opportunity.</p><h2>Training Students for Essential Careers</h2><p>SPC’s Electrical Lineworker Training Program gives students the technical knowledge, safety training and field experience needed to pursue careers in the energy sector.</p><p>For Chase Georgevich, now a Lineworker Apprentice with Duke Energy Florida, the program provided the preparation needed to launch his career.</p><p>“The Electrical Lineworker Training Program at St. Petersburg College gave me invaluable hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from some of the best instructors in the industry,” Georgevich said. “From the classroom to the training facility, the program was a constant test of my discipline and dedication, but I couldn’t be prouder of myself for sticking it out, making the most of every day and ultimately landing a job with such a well-respected company. I love what I do, the people I get to work with and the feeling of knowing we’re helping keep the lights on for our friends and neighbors right here in the community we call home.”</p><p>His story reflects the impact of workforce programs designed to connect students directly to meaningful employment and long-term career growth.</p><h2>A Strong Industry Partnership</h2><p>SPC is one of five Florida colleges selected to receive support from the Duke Energy Foundation, alongside Lake-Sumter State College, Seminole State College of Florida, Valencia College and South Florida State College.</p><p>Between 2022 and 2025, Duke Energy hired more than 100 graduates from partner college lineworker programs, underscoring both the value of these training pathways and the growing demand for skilled utility workers.</p><p>“Workforce partnerships like this are critical to student success and regional economic growth,” said Berry. “When employers invest in training programs, students gain access to high-quality instruction, industry-aligned equipment and direct pathways into the workforce. That’s exactly the kind of opportunity we want to continue building at SPC.”</p><p>Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation of utility professionals.</p><p>“At Duke Energy, planning for the future means investing in people. Our partnership with SPC and support of the Electrical Lineworker Training Program equips students with the skills and experience to succeed while building a strong talent pipeline for our industry,” said Seixas. “I’m grateful to the instructors and administrators leading this program and hopeful that graduates will join our team, helping us deliver safe, reliable power to more than 2 million customers for years to come.”</p><h2>Strengthening the Community and Workforce Pipeline</h2><p>As demand for skilled utility workers grows, partnerships like this ensure a strong pipeline of trained professionals ready to serve local communities. Employment for electrical lineworkers is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. As SPC approaches its centennial, the College remains committed to expanding opportunity, supporting employers, and building a stronger regional workforce.</p><p>Through its partnership with Duke Energy, SPC is preparing the next generation of lineworkers while helping power Florida’s future.</p>","Date":"2026-04-15T15:02:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/duke-spc1.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"a lineworker training at SPC wearing a neon yellow shirt and orange helmet observing another lineworker also in a yellow shirt and orange helmet"},"Headline":"Duke Energy, SPC Strengthen Workforce Pipeline for Future Lineworkers","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/duke-energy-spc-strengthen-workforce-pipeline-for-future-lineworkers","value":{},"title":"Duke Energy, SPC Strengthen Workforce Pipeline for Future Lineworkers","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"The partnership reinforces the College’s role as a cornerstone of workforce education.","Teaser":"The partnership reinforces the College’s role as a cornerstone of workforce education.","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/duke-spc1-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"a lineworker training at SPC wearing a neon yellow shirt and orange helmet observing another lineworker also in a yellow shirt and orange helmet"},"Title":"Duke Energy, SPC Strengthen Workforce Pipeline for Future Lineworkers"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"1378|1379|2114|1325|1320|2338|2210","Content":"","Date":"2026-04-02T12:54:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/jabil-check-presenation-032426.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"A group of people from Jabil and St. Petersbug College holding a giant donation check"},"Headline":"Jabil Donates $1.1 Million to SPC to Expand Advanced Manufacturing Training","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/jabil-donates-11-million-to-spc-to-expand-advanced-manufacturing-training","value":{},"title":"Jabil Donates $1.1 Million to SPC to Expand Advanced Manufacturing Training","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"Investment supports workforce development, scholarships and career pathways in Tampa Bay","Teaser":"Investment supports workforce development, scholarships and career pathways in Tampa Bay","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/jabil-check-presenation-032426-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"A group of people from Jabil and St. Petersbug College holding a giant donation check"},"Title":"Jabil Donates $1.1 Million to SPC to Expand Advanced Manufacturing Training"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"1570|1381|1378|1379|2114|2338","Content":"","Date":"2026-03-12T20:04:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/foundation-celina.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"St. Petersburg College student and basketball player Celine Forine speaking at donors and scholars luncheon"},"Headline":"26th Annual Donors and Scholars Luncheon Celebrates Generosity","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/2026-donors-and-scholars-luncheon","value":{},"title":"26th Annual Donors and Scholars Luncheon Celebrates Generosity","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/foundation-celina-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"St. Petersburg College student and basketball player Celine Forine speaking at donors and scholars luncheon"},"Title":"26th Annual Donors and Scholars Luncheon Celebrates Generosity"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"1697|1380|1379","Content":"","Date":"2026-02-04T14:21:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Helen-Gilbart-a_8907.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"portrait of Helen Gilbart in a blue shirt"},"Headline":"Helen Gilbart: Her Final Gift, Her Forever Impact","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/her-final-gift-her-forever-impact","value":{},"title":"Helen Gilbart: Her Final Gift, Her Forever Impact","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Helen-Gilbart-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"portrait of Helen Gilbart in a blue shirt"},"Title":"Helen Gilbart: Her Final Gift, Her Forever Impact"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"1697|1380|1379|2114","Content":"","Date":"2026-01-14T05:00:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Carroll-Mike-cover.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"From left: Jesse Turtle, SPC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation, SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams, and Mike Carroll, SPC Foundation board member and donor"},"Headline":"Mike Carroll: A Legacy Lifting Others","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/mike-carroll-a-legacy-lifting-others","value":{},"title":"Mike Carroll: A Legacy Lifting Others","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"SPC’s roots run deep in philanthropist and board leader Mike Carroll.","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/carroll-mike-cover-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"From left: Jesse Turtle, SPC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation, SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams, and Mike Carroll, SPC Foundation board member and donor"},"Title":"Mike Carroll: A Legacy Lifting Others"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"1380|2114|2338|2433|2210","Content":"","Date":"2025-09-16T04:00:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/SPC-Day-2025.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"group shot of SPC board of trustees members and foundation partners"},"Headline":"98 Years Strong: SPC Marks Anniversary with Fourth Annual SPC Day","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/98-years-strong-spc-marks-anniversary-with-fourth-annual-spc-day","value":{},"title":"98 Years Strong: SPC Marks Anniversary with Fourth Annual SPC Day","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/SPC-Day-2025-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"group shot of SPC board of trustees members and foundation partners"},"Title":"98 Years Strong: SPC Marks Anniversary with Fourth Annual SPC Day"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"1380|2114|1325|2338|2433|2210","Content":"","Date":"2025-09-12T13:19:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/pathway-2-better.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Rich Warshof, Co-Chair of the Pathway to Better campaign speaking at a gathering of people celebrating the college's 98th anniversary at the Tarpon Springs Campus"},"Headline":"SPC Launches Centennial Campaign to Support Students and Celebrate 100 Years of Impact","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/spc-launches-centennial-campaign-to-support-students-and-celebrate-100-years-of-impact","value":{},"title":"SPC Launches Centennial Campaign to Support Students and Celebrate 100 Years of Impact","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/pathway-to-better-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Rich Warshof, Co-Chair of the Pathway to Better campaign speaking at a gathering of people celebrating the college's 98th anniversary at the Tarpon Springs Campus"},"Title":"SPC Launches Centennial Campaign to Support Students and Celebrate 100 Years of Impact"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"1381|1379|2114|2338|2433|2210","Content":"<p>To celebrate the Clearwater Campus's 60th anniversary, SPC is launching the <strong>60 for 60 Student Scholarship Program</strong> — a meaningful initiative dedicated to supporting 60 exceptional students with specially designated scholarships.</p><p>Rooted in the spirit of the <a href="/friends-partners/about/locations/clearwater-campus" title="Clearwater Campus web page">Clearwater Campus</a>, this initiative honors the values that have defined it — academic excellence, leadership, innovation and service to the community.</p><p>“For 60 years, the Clearwater Campus has opened doors to opportunity and empowered students to reach their full potential,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. “This celebration is not just about looking back, it’s about building on that legacy to ensure that even more students have the resources, encouragement, and pathways they need to succeed.”</p><p>Established in 1965, the Clearwater Campus is SPC’s second-oldest location, created to serve the expanding higher education needs of northern Pinellas County communities.</p><p>Now home to 14,000 students a year, the 40-acre Clearwater Campus at 2465 Drew Street offers associate and bachelor's degree programs, workforce certifications and transfer pathways.</p><p><img src="Images/Newsroom/clw-60for60-badge.jpg" alt="badge for the 60 for 60 scholarship" title="60 for 60 scholarship" width="350" height="210" class="blockImg" style="float: right;" />“The Clearwater Campus has been a cornerstone of opportunity for six decades and its history is rich with stories of perseverance, achievement, and community impact,” said Dr. Tashika Griffith, Provost of the Clearwater Campus. “The ‘60 for 60’ campaign carries that tradition forward by giving more students the chance to transform their lives through education. It is a celebration of the past and an investment in the future — supporting students who will lead the next generation.”</p><p>For long-time faculty member Jonathan Barnes, each semester brings a new opportunity to make a lasting difference.</p><p>“I get to meet new students every 16 weeks and teach them what I really love: craftsmanship and artistry,” said Barnes, who has taught printmaking and ceramics on the campus for 19 years. “While students face many issues like transportation, housing and access to food, we have so many resources to help them. We’re such a tight-knit group on this campus, it feels more like extended family.”</p><p>That thought is echoed by student Lexi O'Leary, who is pursuing her bachelor's degree in management and organizational leadership and calls the Clearwater Campus home.</p><p>“This campus is very close-knit, and everyone makes you feel so welcome,” said O'Leary, who works as a student assistant in the campus’s Career Services office. “Anytime I’ve needed anything, I always find someone on campus to help me.”</p><p><strong>The official celebration of the campus’s anniversary will be held Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with activities and a formal cake-cutting ceremony.</strong></p><p>Prior to that, as part of the campus’s upcoming Constitution Day event on <strong>Sept. 17</strong>, a student, staff, or faculty member will be selected to place an item that they feel best represents the Clearwater Campus into our time capsule, Griffith said. This item, chosen by the individual, will be preserved and reopened during the campus' 75th anniversary.</p><p>“Currently, the time capsule contains some fascinating items, including photo albums of various buildings, faculty members, and copies of the campus' original groundbreaking blueprints and photos,” Griffith added. “These items provide a wonderful glimpse into our campus' history, and we are eager to add more meaningful artifacts that capture the essence of our community.”</p><p>To make a donation to the <strong>60 for 60 Student Scholarship Program</strong>, please visit the <a href="https://www.givecampus.com/schools/StPetersburgCollege/2025-spc-day/pages/clearwater-60-scholarship#matchallenges" target="_blank" title="visit site to make donations" rel="noopener">Give Campus page</a> or the <a href="/foundation/give-now" title="SPC site to make donations">SPC Foundation’s website</a>.</p>","Date":"2025-08-29T19:33:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Clw-opening.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"black and white vintage image of the original Junior College Clearwater Campus sign"},"Headline":"SPC’s Clearwater Campus Marks 60 Years of Learning with the 60 for 60 Student Scholarship Program","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/spcs-clearwater-campus-marks-60-years-of-learning-and-impact-by-launching-the-60-for-60-student-scholarship-program","value":{},"title":"SPC’s Clearwater Campus Marks 60 Years of Learning with the 60 for 60 Student Scholarship Program","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"SPC’s Clearwater Campus marks 60 years of learning and impact by launching the 60 for 60 Student Scholarship Program","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Clw-opening-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"black and white vintage image of the original Clearwater Campus si"},"Title":"SPC’s Clearwater Campus Marks 60 Years of Learning with the 60 for 60 Student Scholarship Program"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"1380|1570|1379|2114|2338|2433|2210","Content":"","Date":"2025-08-27T19:13:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/SCP-day-preview-balloons.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"image of blue balloons with the words SPC Day written in white"},"Headline":"SPC Celebrates 98 Years of Academic Excellence at SPC Day on the Tarpon Springs Campus","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/spc-celebrates-98-years-of-academic-excellence-at-spc-day-on-the-tarpon-springs-campus","value":{},"title":"SPC Celebrates 98 Years of Academic Excellence at SPC Day on the Tarpon Springs Campus","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"SPC celebrates nearly a century of education, innovation and community impact in Pinellas County during its fourth annual SPC Day on Sept. 12 at the Tarpon Springs Campus.","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/SCP-day-preview-balloons-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"image of blue balloons with the words SPC Day written in white"},"Title":"SPC Celebrates 98 Years of Academic Excellence at SPC Day on the Tarpon Springs Campus"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"1378|2114|2338|2433","Content":"<p>St. Petersburg College’s (SPC) EpiCenter was filled with gratitude on Tuesday as Suncoast Credit Union presented a $250,000 check to support the Fuse Scholarship Program. As SPC leaders and partners from the University of South Florida (USF), the Community Foundation Tampa Bay and LEAP Tampa Bay College Access Network gathered in the EpiCenter lobby, the moment symbolized more than a financial investment — it represented new doors opening for students across the region.</p><p>Among those in attendance was SPC alumna and Fuse Scholarship recipient Irene Gongora, who shared her story with the audience.</p><div class="float-right"><img src="Images/Newsroom/Irene-Gongora.jpg" alt="SPC student Irene Gongora" title="PC student Irene Gongora" hspace="10" /> <span>Irene Gongora</span></div><p>“Please know, this scholarship is more than just financial support. It is a reminder that someone believes in me,” said Gongora. “As a first-generation college student, the Fuse Scholarship has helped me successfully transition to USF, where I’m pursuing my dream of becoming a child psychologist. I want to one day help children and families in underserved communities by breaking cycles of generational trauma through evidence-based care.”</p><p>Gongora, who returned to school in her thirties after a 13-year gap, said the scholarship has not only eased financial burdens but has also given her the confidence to keep pushing toward her goals. Her presence at the ceremony showcased the impact of the donation, highlighting exactly why such partnerships matter.</p><p>The gift from Suncoast Credit Union, made through the Community Foundation Tampa Bay, will be matched by Helios Education Foundation. Together, the $500,000 commitment is expected to benefit nearly 50 SPC students who are enrolled in Fuse and working toward completing their bachelor’s degrees at USF.</p><h2>Fuse guarantees admission to select USF programs</h2><p>The <a href="/future-students/degree-options/associate-in-arts-degrees-and-transfer-plans/guaranteed-transfer-programs/fuse" title="Fuse program">Fuse program</a> offers a clear, affordable path to a four-year degree by allowing students to complete their Associate in Arts degree at SPC with guaranteed admission into select USF programs, provided academic requirements are met. Along the way, students receive structured advising, mentorship and financial assistance, reducing barriers that often stand in the way of degree completion.</p><p>“Education changes lives, and partnerships like this make that transformation possible,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. “Suncoast Credit Union’s investment in our students removes financial barriers and creates real opportunity. Together, we’re building stronger futures — not just for these students, but for our entire community.”</p><p>Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union, emphasized the organization’s commitment to educational equity and community growth. “Our mission calls us to improve the communities we serve, and there can be no greater investment than in the education of future citizens,” said Johnson. “This partnership will help secure the futures of promising, young scholars, which in turn strengthens the community we all share.”</p><p>For Fuse students like Gongora, the scholarship helps reduce financial stress and provides a clear path forward.</p><p>“I came to this country as a child and recently gained citizenship,” she shared. “Your support has made it possible for me to pursue higher education in my thirties. This opportunity means everything to me.”</p><p>With the check presentation, Suncoast Credit Union, Helios Education Foundation, SPC, USF and LEAP Tampa Bay reinforced their shared commitment to educational access and community prosperity. Together, they are not only funding scholarships — they are investing in lives, futures and the strength of Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay region.</p><p><img src="Images/Newsroom/suncoast-check-group-800.jpg" alt="group of donors" title="Images/Newsroom/suncoast-check-group-800.jpg" width="800" height="484" class="blockImg" /></p>","Date":"2025-08-22T13:27:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Sunocast-jesse-group.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"members of Suncoast Credit Union and SPC Foundation posing with a check that was presented"},"Headline":"$250,000 Suncoast Credit Union Gift Celebrated at SPC Check Presentation","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/suncoast-credit-union-gift-celebrated-at-spc-check-presentation-fueling-fuse-scholarships-for-students","value":{},"title":"$250,000 Suncoast Credit Union Gift Celebrated at SPC Check Presentation","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"The lobby of St. Petersburg College’s (SPC) EpiCenter was filled with gratitude on Tuesday as Suncoast Credit Union presented a $250,000 check to support the Fuse Scholarship Program.","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Sunocast-jesse-group-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"members of Suncoast Credit Union and SPC Foundation posing with a check that was presented"},"Title":"$250,000 Suncoast Credit Union Gift Celebrated at SPC Check Presentation"},{"Author":"101","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"","Content":"","Date":"2023-10-30T13:28:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":false,"src":"","w":"","h":"","alt":""},"Headline":"","Link":{"isValid":false,"url":"","value":{},"title":"","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":false,"src":"","w":"","h":"","alt":""},"Title":""}]