[{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2338|2210|2114|1325|1380|2113|2433","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":"","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":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"1320|2338|2210|2114|1380|2433","Content":"","Date":"2025-09-12T13:19:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Historic-SPC-Newsroom.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"sepia colored photo of original St petersburg College location at Mirror Lake"},"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":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Historic-SPC-Newsroom-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"sepia colored photo of original St petersburg College location at Mirror Lake"},"Title":"SPC Launches Centennial Campaign to Support Students and Celebrate 100 Years of Impact"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"1316|2338|2113|2433","Content":"<p>St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools at St. Petersburg College (SPCHS) continue to excel in preparing students for college and career success, earning top positions locally in U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools rankings. Two SPCHS campuses — St. Petersburg/Gibbs and North Pinellas (Tarpon Springs) — were recognized as leaders in the region for their rigorous academics and dual enrollment opportunities.</p><p>U.S. News & World Report listed St. Petersburg/Gibbs as #2 in Pinellas County and #5 in the Tampa Bay area and the North Pinellas campus ranked #4 in Pinellas County and #8 in the Tampa Bay area. These rankings highlight the high achievement of SPCHS students and the program’s role in providing a clear pathway to college-level coursework and post-secondary success.</p><p>“SPCHS is honored to be recognized as the number two high school in Pinellas County and this achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of our students, faculty and staff to academic excellence and college readiness,” said principal of the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus Ian Call. “At Collegiate, we believe in empowering students to reach their full potential, and this distinction affirms the strength of our mission and the dedication of our school community. This year, we aim to further empower our students for success by increasing the number of Bright Futures Scholarship recipients and organizing college tours to help our students make informed decisions about their majors and post-graduation plans.”</p><p>Since their founding, SPCHS campuses have focused on innovative instruction, robust academic support, and access to college-level courses that help students gain valuable skills and earn college credits early. By offering dual enrollment at no cost, SPCHS removes barriers to higher education while preparing students for competitive academic and career opportunities.</p><p>“We are also incredibly proud to be recognized among the top high schools in Florida, especially considering that dual enrollment credits — an essential part of our accelerated academic mode — are not included in the rankings, this achievement is a powerful reflection of the dedication and excellence of our students and staff,” said principal of the North Pinellas Collegiate High School Ryan Halstead. “Since opening our doors in 2019, we’ve seen a remarkable rise in our rankings, which speaks volumes about our commitment to delivering a high-quality educational experience while empowering students to thrive in college and beyond.”</p><p><strong>About St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools</strong></p><p>SPCHS offers academically motivated students the chance to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously. The program is designed to accelerate student success, reduce the cost of college, and provide a strong foundation for future academic and career achievements. Campuses are located at St. Petersburg/Gibbs, North Pinellas (Tarpon Springs) and the Downtown STEM Center.</p><p><strong>About U.S. News & World Report</strong></p><p>U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.</p>","Date":"2025-09-09T15:22:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/SPCHS-Grads.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"four SPCHS students in graduation caps and gowns smiling"},"Headline":"St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools Earn Top Local Rankings by U.S. News & World Report","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/st-petersburg-collegiate-high-schools-earn-top-local-rankings-by-us-news-and-world-report","value":{},"title":"St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools Earn Top Local Rankings by U.S. News & World Report","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"SPCHS recognized among the best high schools in Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area.","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/SPCHS-Grads-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"four SPCHS students in graduation caps and gowns smiling"},"Title":"St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools Earn Top Local Rankings by U.S. News & World Report"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2308|2338","Content":"<h2>ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE (SPC) AND UNITED FACULTY OF FLORIDA (UFF)</h2><p>A public meeting of representatives of SPC and UFF to conduct an impact bargaining session and collective bargaining negotiations pursuant to Article 22 of SPC-UFF’s 2024-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement will be held on September 18, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Epi Center, St. Petersburg College, 13805 58th Street North, Clearwater, Florida in room EPI BD2-304.</p><p>Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any persons with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations or assistance to participate should contact the Board Clerk at 727-341-3241 five (5) business days before the meeting date.</p>","Date":"2025-09-09T15:22:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Titan-logo-placeholder-Image-950.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"graphic of a titan helmut on a blue gradient background"},"Headline":"Public Notice of Meeting – Impact Bargaining and Collective Bargaining Sept. 18, 2025","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/public-notice-of-meeting-impact-bargaining-and-collective-bargaining-sept-18-2025","value":{},"title":"Public Notice of Meeting – Impact Bargaining and Collective Bargaining Sept. 18, 2025","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"Public Notice of Meeting – Impact Bargaining and Collective Bargaining Sept. 18, 2025","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Titan-logo-placeholder-Image-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"graphic of a titan helmut on a blue gradient background"},"Title":"Public Notice of Meeting – Impact Bargaining and Collective Bargaining Sept. 18, 2025"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2310|2115|2338|2210","Content":"<p>Students at St. Pete Collegiate STEM High School at St. Petersburg College will have a unique opportunity to dive into marine science this school year, thanks to Remus Bulmer, the school’s Academic Program Director. Bulmer was one of only 28 recipients nationwide awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious Shark Biology and Conservation Research Experience at the Bimini Shark Lab in the Bahamas this summer. He was the only participant from Florida selected.</p><p>At Bimini, Bulmer participated in a week-long immersive program that combined lectures, hands-on fieldwork, and ocean excursions. Students and educators had the rare opportunity to study sharks in their natural habitats, including mangroves and open waters, gaining insights into shark behavior, migration, and conservation.</p><p>“This experience was incredible, not only getting up close with sharks in the wild, but also learning the science and conservation behind them,” Bulmer said. “I have two passions: scientific exploration and youth development. Sharing my research experiences with our campus community — students and staff alike — is deeply rewarding and helps inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.”</p><p>Bulmer’s research focuses on shark migration patterns between Florida and the Bahamas, building on his undergraduate work at Florida State University and graduate studies at the University of Florida. He plans to integrate this research into the classroom, giving students hands-on opportunities to explore real-world science and conservation projects.</p><p>“Not all students think they like science, but exposure to real research can inspire them,” Bulmer said. “Sharks are vital to our oceans and this program helps students see their importance firsthand.”</p><p>The new marine science program at St. Pete Collegiate STEM High School at SPC launched in the fall with electives and research opportunities for students.</p><p></p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OREcIu4ZxXc?si=9Uunln6v4XNZAp9L" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p><p></p><div class="three-col-grid"><div class=""><img src="Images/Newsroom/Shark-research-speer-576.jpg" alt="shark research proposal by Remus Bulmer with words that explain that" title="shark research proposal" /></div><div class=""><img src="Images/Newsroom/Shark-research-576.jpg" alt="Bimini Shark Lab sign" title="Remus Bulmer bimini" /></div></div>","Date":"2025-09-05T20:24:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Shark-research.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Remus Bulmer, St. Pete Collegiate STEM High School’s Academic Program Director"},"Headline":"St. Pete Collegiate STEM High School Director Brings Shark Research Experience to Campus","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/st-pete-collegiate-stem-high-school-director-brings-shark-research-experience-to-campus","value":{},"title":"St. Pete Collegiate STEM High School Director Brings Shark Research Experience to Campus","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"Students at St. Pete Collegiate STEM High School at St. Petersburg College will have a unique opportunity to dive into marine science this school year, thanks to Remus Bulmer, the school’s Academic Program Director.","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Shark-research-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Remus Bulmer, St. Pete Collegiate STEM High School’s Academic Program Director"},"Title":"St. Pete Collegiate STEM High School Director Brings Shark Research Experience to Campus"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2433|1381|1379|2338|2210|2114|1325","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 Clearwater Campus, 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","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":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"1570|1320|1379|2338|2210|2114|1380|2433","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.","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":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"1378|2433|2338|2114|1325","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.","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":"","Blurb":"From left: Amanda Roden, President/Executive Director of FCS Foundation; Dr. Tom Furlong, FCS Foundation board member; Dr. Tonjua Williams, SPC President; Karen Moore, Chair, FCS Foundation board; and Jesse Turtle, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of SPC Foundation","CategoryIds":"1378|1381|1379|2338|2114","Content":"","Date":"2025-08-21T13:27:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/FCS-Check-presentation.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"group of donors"},"Headline":"Florida College System Makes Donation to Support Scholarship","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/florida-college-system-makes-donation-to-support-scholarships","value":{},"title":"Florida College System Makes Donation to Support Scholarships","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/FCS-Check-presentation-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"group of donors"},"Title":"Florida College System Makes Donation to Support Scholarships"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2433|2341|2338|2114","Content":"<p>St. Petersburg College (SPC), the University of South Florida (USF) and LEAP Tampa Bay College Access Network are celebrating a major milestone in student support and financial access, thanks to a $250,000 gift to the Community Foundation Tampa Bay from Suncoast Credit Union. The gift will be recognized at a check presentation on <strong>Aug. 19 at 10:30 a.m. at SPC’s EpiCenter.</strong></p><p>The donation will support the Fuse Scholarship Program, established by LEAP Tampa Bay partners at the Community Foundation. Also, the Helios Education Foundation is graciously matching this $250,000 donation. Nearly 50 SPC students are expected to benefit from this most recent contribution as they pursue a four-year degree through the Fuse program at USF.</p><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>, a strategic partnership between SPC and USF, offers students a streamlined, affordable route to a bachelor’s degree. Students who enroll in Fuse complete their Associate in Arts degree at SPC with the guarantee of admission into select USF programs, provided they meet the academic requirements. The program includes structured advising, mentorship and financial assistance to remove common barriers that often delay or derail academic progress.</p><p>"Education changes lives, and partnerships like this make that transformation possible,” said Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of SPC. “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>Made through the Community Foundation Tampa Bay, Suncoast Credit Union’s investment demonstrates its longstanding commitment to student success and regional workforce development. The funding supports first-generation and underserved students, aligning with Suncoast’s broader investment in educational equity and financial literacy across Florida.</p><p>“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 Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “This partnership will help secure the futures of promising, young scholars, which in turn strengthens the community we all share.”</p><p>The partnership between St. Petersburg College, Suncoast Credit Union, Helios Education Foundation, and the LEAP Tampa Bay College Access Network reflects a shared commitment to student success and regional prosperity. By aligning resources and expertise, these organizations are removing barriers to higher education and creating a more equitable pipeline to college completion.</p><p>“There’s no more powerful path to a thriving community than education. The Fuse program is a collaborative, cost-effective approach that puts students on a clear path to a four-year degree,” said Marlene Spalten, President and CEO, Community Foundation Tampa Bay. “Along with our LEAP partners, we are proud to support this initiative through LEAP, which will coordinate scholarship distribution, and we deeply appreciate Suncoast Credit Union and Helios Education Foundation for their investment in Tampa Bay’s future.”</p><p>Together, SPC, USF and Suncoast Credit Union are not just supporting students; they are transforming lives and creating a stronger, more educated community.</p><p><strong>Key Details:</strong><br /><strong>When</strong>: Tuesday, Aug. 19, 10:30 a.m. (after the Board of Trustees meeting) <br /><strong>Where</strong>: SPC EpiCenter Lobby, 13805 58th St. N., Clearwater<br /><strong>Who</strong>: Interview opportunities available with Suncoast Credit Union, LEAP, the Community Foundation Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg College Board of Trustees and community leaders</p><p><strong>About Suncoast Credit Union</strong></p><p>Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $19 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 78 full-service branches and serves more than 1.3 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $55 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.suncoast.com" target="_blank" title="suncoast website" rel="noopener">suncoast.com</a> or follow us on social media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SuncoastCreditUnion" target="_blank" title="suncoast facebook" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/suncoastcreditunion/" target="_blank" title="suncoast linked in" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://x.com/SuncoastCU" target="_blank" title="suncoast twitter" rel="noopener">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/suncoastcreditunion/" target="_blank" title="suncoast instagram" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>.</p><p><strong>About Community Foundation Tampa Bay</strong></p><p>Community Foundation Tampa Bay is the leading philanthropic investor in the Tampa Bay area. Founded in 1990, Community Foundation Tampa Bay connects philanthropists, nonprofits, business leaders, and community leaders to drive fundamental changes in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. Over the past 35 years, Community Foundation Tampa Bay and its donors have fostered collaboration, sought creative solutions and invested more than $450 million in nonprofit organizations to help our community thrive.</p><p><strong>About LEAP Tampa Bay College Access Network</strong></p><p>LEAP Tampa Bay is a network of over 60 community partners dedicated to transforming lives by connecting residents to education and training opportunities beyond high school. A cross-sector network convened to promote their community-wide commitment to college access and attainment, LEAP leaders utilize a collective impact model of collaboration to guide coordinated, need-based strategies among partners from across business, education, government, and nonprofits. All the work is geared at increasing attainment of high-quality college degrees and career and technical training credentials to help build Tampa Bay’s workforce talent base. LEAP operates as part of the Community Foundation Tampa Bay, which was a Founding Partner.</p><p><strong>About St. Petersburg College </strong></p><p>Founded in 1927, St. Petersburg College (SPC) is Florida's first two-year college. Regionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC became Florida’s first state college to offer bachelor’s degrees. The College now offers more than 200 associate and bachelor’s degrees, certificates, and transfer programs, as well as many high-demand, high-skill, industry-recognized workforce certifications. The College’s career-focused curriculum is created with input from industry experts to provide students with real-world skills needed to meet the needs of today’s employers.</p>","Date":"2025-08-14T13:20:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/fuse-suncoast.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"female SPC student wearing a white tshirt with the words Titan today Bull tomorrow"},"Headline":"Suncoast Credit Union Donates $250,000 to Support Fuse Scholarship Program at SPC and USF","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/suncoast-credit-union-donates-250000-to-support-fuse-scholarship-program-at-spc-and-usf","value":{},"title":"Suncoast Credit Union Donates $250,000 to Support Fuse Scholarship Program at SPC and USF","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"Fueling student success and financial access, these partnerships expand opportunity for SPC and USF.","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/fuse-suncoast-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"female SPC student wearing a white tshirt with the words Titan today Bull tomorrow"},"Title":"Suncoast Credit Union Donates $250,000 to Support Fuse Scholarship Program at SPC and USF"},{"Author":"106","Blurb":"","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":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":false,"src":"","w":"","h":"","alt":""},"Title":""}]