Beyond Career Exposure: SPC’s Commitment to Student Engagement

n the heart of South St. Petersburg’s Jordan Park neighborhood, a new partnership is creating opportunities for local youth and allowing them to dream bigger and pursue careers they may never have considered.

The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) has partnered with St. Petersburg College (SPC) to launch the Career Awareness and Readiness Events (CARE) Youth Development Initiative. This innovative program aims to connect young people with professionals from diverse fields, helping them envision a brighter future beyond their immediate surroundings.

SPHA is the leading affordable housing provider in the city of St. Petersburg, serving more than 4,000 lowincome households. SPHA’s mission is to provide safe, sanitary, accessible, decent and affordable housing to eligible city residents while enhancing and promoting their self-sufficiency.

Bridging gaps with career exposure

Jordan Park, home to about 266 households, struggles with limited access to career guidance and mentorship opportunities. By partnering with SPC, the initiative offers youth a chance to meet professionals from industries such as health care, engineering, the arts and technology, providing insight into the wide range of career paths available.

The program’s main objective is not just to introduce youth to new career fields but to create lasting mentorship relationships that provide guidance and support.

“SPC hopes to provide positive additional role models for the young men of Jordan Park and the community,” said Dr. Keron Jean-Baptiste, Provost for the Downtown Center, Midtown Center and The Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College. He recognized several staff supporting the initiative, including: Djuan Fox, Associate Dean at the Downtown/Midtown campus; Todd Smith, Executive Student Services Director for Financial Assistance Services; Antonio Seay, Our Network Program Manager; and JerJuan Green, Student Support Advisor for Retention Services.

“When Kiara Lovett, SPHA’s Director of Social Services, presented the idea to me in November, I immediately reached out to these men, and they said, ‘Let’s do it. Let’s figure it out.’ We’re hoping to allow them to see men of color in different positions outside of what they may normally see in their community. Hopefully, this sparks that energy and excitement for higher education, whether it’s SPC or somewhere else. Just allowing them to see something different that they may not always be exposed to.”

Creating lasting mentorship and support

The CARE initiative is also about empowering families and strengthening the broader community. SPC’s involvement extends beyond career exposure. The College is critical in providing resources and organizing events for Jordan Park youth, including activities on SPC’s Midtown Campus.

Lovett, the driving force behind the program and partnership, shared her motivation for the initiative:

“My main goal is always to eliminate barriers. As many barriers as possible for the families, and SPC’s Midtown Campus is in our neighborhood. It’s a one-minute walk from Jordan Park. I want to bring opportunities to the youth that spark their minds so they can be the change in their family. Whether this means being the first person to make it to college or getting a different job than what they are used to seeing around them.”

Looking ahead

The CARE initiative is only one part of the ongoing effort to support Jordan Park’s youth. SPHA’s after-school programs already offer tutoring, arts workshops and sports activities. Lovett noted that there are more plans in the pipeline, including martial arts programs, and that SPHA is always seeking new partnerships to expand opportunities for local youth.

Dr. Jean-Baptiste added, “We continue to look to expand programs and opportunities for youth. We have several programs in place now, and we’re excited about the manufacturing lab that’s coming, which will lead to decent-wage jobs. The possibilities are endless for the youth of this community.