In a recent editorial published in the Tampa Bay Times, SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams highlighted the history and success of St. Petersburg College. September 12 is SPC Day where the College celebrates opening its doors 96 years ago — becoming Florida’s first community college to provide higher education to residents who didn’t have the means or resources to attend state universities.
SPJC stood out because it offered terminal degrees. These degrees continue to train residents for immediate employment. Then, in 2001, SPJC blazed another trail when it evolved into SPC and became the first college in the state to offer four-year degrees.
Today, SPC serves over 36,000 students annually as the largest higher education institution in Pinellas County. Chances are high that you or someone you know has gone to SPC. In fact, the contributions of SPC alumni generate approximately $2.2 billion annually in added income for our regional economy — the equivalent of supporting more than 29,000 jobs. And that is what SPC strives for: getting people into jobs.
Everyone belongs at SPC. The College strives to cultivate mutual respect and a sense of belonging throughout the college and the community. It is personified with one simple phrase — You Belong at SPC!
“Through career readiness services for students and hundreds of partnerships, we are making connections between employees and employers. Our placement rates exceed 80% — with many programs boasting a 100% rate — of students who start a career, join the military or transfer to a university after graduating. Our students learn in order to earn, which changes the entire trajectory of their lives. The win-win is that these graduates fill voids in the talent pipeline and provide area business with the skilled labor they need to continue to fuel our economy,” Williams said in the editorial.
Read the full editorial online and learn more about supporting SPC during SPC Day.