SPC Returns to Tropicana Field for 149th Commencement

As St. Petersburg College approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, the College will celebrate its Spring 2026 graduates at the 149th Commencement on Wednesday, May 13, with a return to Tropicana Field, marking a meaningful homecoming after hurricane-related disruptions. The ceremony will recognize students’ achievements while symbolizing resilience and for the SPC community. Since its founding in 1927, SPC has graduated more than 161,336 students and awarded more than 207,026 credentials through Fall 2024, reflecting nearly a century of impact across the region.

The College will host two ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., each lasting approximately 90 minutes, as graduates gather once again at Tropicana Field to celebrate their achievements.

The event will honor students who have completed their degrees and certificates, recognizing the dedication, perseverance and achievement that define SPC’s commitment to student success and community impact.

Building the next generation of educators

That commitment is also reflected in SPC’s efforts to strengthen the teacher pipeline through its Grow Your Own (GYO) Teacher Apprenticeship Program. The program’s first cohort of 17 apprentices will join the graduating class at the Tropicana, marking an important milestone in developing future educators.

Supported by the Florida Department of Education’s Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, the program combines paid, on-the-job classroom experience with college coursework aligned to state requirements. Apprentices work alongside mentor teachers while progressing toward a bachelor’s degree and full Florida teacher certification.

“This apprenticeship program has meant more to me than I can put into words,” said Rashad Harrell, an SPC apprenticeship graduate. “It taught me the importance of preparation, hard work and commitment while giving me real-world classroom experience that helped me feel confident and ready to become an educator.”

Harrell said the support and mentorship he received throughout the program played a major role in his success.

“One of the moments that impacted me most was when my field supervisor told the Superintendent he would want me teaching his own child,” said Harrell. “That affirmation meant everything to me. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone looking to grow their career in education.”

Since launching in Fall 2024 with a partnership with Pinellas County Schools, the program continues to grow with new cohorts planned in high-need areas of elementary and exceptional student education. By removing financial barriers and embedding training directly in the classroom, the program is preparing future educators to enter the profession ready to make an immediate impact.

Julia Campa

Graduate spotlight: A student’s path to purpose

That same spirit of preparation and purpose is reflected in this year’s graduates, including Julia Campa, a first-time student from Seminole who will earn her degree in education this spring.

Campa said her decision to attend SPC was rooted in both accessibility and opportunity. As the first in her family to pursue higher education, she chose a path that allowed her to stay close to home while building a future she once thought was out of reach.

“I wanted to choose a path that I knew I could stick with and succeed in,” said Campa. “SPC gave me that opportunity and helped me work toward earning my bachelor’s degree.”

Her journey has been shaped by personal challenges and a desire to make a difference. Inspired by her own experiences growing up, Campa plans to become a first-grade teacher in Citrus County, creating a classroom that supports and inspires young learners.

One of the most defining moments of her time at SPC came during a practicum, when she saw her students fully grasp a lesson she was teaching.

“That moment made me realize that teaching was exactly what I wanted to do,” she said.

Campa also credits SPC faculty, including her practicum supervisor, with helping her build confidence and grow as an educator. Reflecting on her experience, she hopes to challenge misconceptions about state colleges.

“Just because a school is affordable doesn’t mean it provides any less opportunity or preparation,” she said. “At SPC, I felt well-prepared and supported every step of the way.”