Gov. DeSantis Visits SPC to Announce Nursing Education Investment

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visited St. Petersburg College on Tuesday to announce more than $20 million in funding through Florida’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) program, reinforcing the state’s commitment to expanding nursing education and strengthening the health care workforce.

The investment will support student scholarships, faculty recruitment and retention, equipment purchases and enhanced hands-on training at state colleges and universities across Florida. SPC's College of Nursing is benefiting from the funding, which helps prepare students for high-demand nursing careers while addressing critical workforce shortages.

“We stress workforce education tremendously,” said DeSantis. “You can come to our state colleges and get advanced, hands-on skills that have real-world application. Nursing, in particular, is critically important, and institutions like St. Petersburg College are getting the job done.”

Student perspective highlights impact of nursing investments

Student Nurses Association president Kelsey Krebs and Gov. Ron DeSantis

SPC nursing student and Student Nurses Association president Kelsey Krebs spoke during the visit, sharing how tuition assistance has helped her and her peers persist through demanding programs.

“I will be graduating this May, and like many nursing students, I am balancing school, work and family responsibilities while preparing to enter a profession that is critically needed in our state,” Krebs said. “Tuition assistance goes beyond tuition, it helps cover essential needs like childcare, transportation, housing and utilities.”

Krebs explained that without financial support, many students are forced to take on additional work hours or loans, increasing stress and, in some cases, delaying or preventing graduation.

State leaders highlight outcomes and workforce impact

DeSantis noted that since the launch of the LINE and Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) programs in 2022, Florida has invested nearly $500 million in nursing education statewide, helping increase the number of nurses entering the workforce each year. He also pointed to SPC’s strong outcomes, including a 94.1% National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate, well above the statewide average.

“LINE funding helps places like St. Petersburg College better serve working and part-time students while completing high-demand nursing programs and gaining real-world experience,” said DeSantis.