College Awarded $2.9 Million Federal Grant to Expand AI-Powered Student Support and Career Readiness

St. Petersburg College (SPC) has been awarded a $2.9 million, five-year federal grant to modernize its technology infrastructure and expand artificial intelligence (AI) tools designed to help students succeed in college and prepare for the workforce.

The funding comes through the Title III, Part A Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), a U.S. Department of Education initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration for the 2026 grant competition. The program helps colleges strengthen academic programs, improve institutional capacity and expand educational opportunities for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

At SPC, the investment will support the College's Next-Generation Educational Infrastructure for Technology and Artificial Intelligence (NEXT-AI) initiative, which aims to make it easier for students to explore career options, access academic guidance and connect their education to employment opportunities.

“At St. Petersburg College, we're committed to giving students the tools and support they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. “This investment will help us use emerging technologies to create more personalized learning experiences, remove barriers to student success and better prepare our graduates for the careers of tomorrow.”

Through NEXT-AI, SPC will upgrade its Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), technology that allows students to access software and digital learning resources through virtual computing environments. These improvements will help expand access to technology and create more flexible learning opportunities.

The initiative will also introduce AI-powered resources to help students navigate academic requirements, explore programs and identify career pathways aligned with their interests and goals.

By connecting academic planning with workforce information, SPC aims to help students better understand the skills, credentials and training needed to pursue careers in high-demand industries.

Investing in Student Success

The grant is part of a broader federal effort to strengthen colleges' ability to serve students while improving educational outcomes and workforce readiness.

For SPC, that means investing in technology that can make information about student support services available quickly and easily, particularly for students who may face challenges navigating college or balancing their education with other responsibilities.

“This grant allows us to strengthen the technology behind the student experience while making support services more accessible and responsive,” said Patrick Rinard, SPC's Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. “By combining modern infrastructure with AI-powered tools, we can help students make informed decisions about their education, stay on track toward graduation and connect their skills to real job opportunities.”

Over the five-year grant period, SPC will focus on strengthening student persistence and completion while expanding access to resources that support academic achievement and career preparation.

NEXT-AI will bring together the College's Information Technology, Student Affairs and campus partners to improve the connection between technology, education and workforce development.

As AI continues to reshape industries and the skills employers need, the initiative positions SPC to help students navigate those changes while building a stronger foundation for long-term success.

The $2.9 million investment will help the College modernize its digital infrastructure and strengthen the services students rely on, supporting SPC's mission of providing accessible, affordable education and preparing graduates for the evolving workforce.