In recognition of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February, St. Petersburg College highlights the significant impact of CTE on the region\u2019s economy. SPC contributed $3.5 billion in total economic impact in the Tampa Bay area during fiscal year 2023\u201324, supporting 37,083 jobs, or roughly one in every 60 jobs in the region, according to a recent independent economic impact study.<\/p>\n
\u201cSPC\u2019s economic impact goes far beyond our campuses,\u201d said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. \u201cEvery student we educate, every credential earned and every industry partnership with SPC strengthens Tampa Bay\u2019s workforce and helps our communities thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n
The data from Lightcast, a global pioneer in the collection and big-data analysis of information in the labor market, showcases the long-term productivity of SPC alumni employed throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties.<\/p>\n
Fueling Workforce Pipelines and Talent Growth<\/p>\n
SPC\u2019s economic influence is driven largely by its role as a workforce engine for Tampa Bay\u2019s key industries, including health care, business, technology, public safety, and advanced manufacturing. Through more than 300 degrees, certificates and workforce training pathways, SPC equips students with job-ready skills that translate directly into higher earnings, increased productivity and sustained regional growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cCareer and Technical Education programs like nursing at St. Petersburg College are preparing students like me to step directly into careers our community urgently needs,\u201d said Kelsey Krebs, president of SPC\u2019s Student Nurses Association. \u201cSPC gives students hands-on training, real-world experience and the support we need to balance school, work and family. When the state invests in colleges like SPC, it\u2019s investing in nurses who are ready to care for patients, strengthen our health care system and make a real impact in Tampa Bay.\u201d<\/p>\n
The economic data reflects SPC\u2019s success in<\/p>\n
\nStrengthening workforce pipelines by aligning programs with employer needs
\nBoosting student employability through career-focused curricula and hands-on learning
\nAttracting out-of-region students whose spending contributes to the local economy
\nSupplying skilled talent that supports business expansion and innovation
<\/p>\n
Alumni productivity accounts for a significant share of SPC\u2019s economic contribution, as graduates earn higher wages, fill in-demand roles and help meet workforce shortages across the region.<\/p>\n
A Key Player in Statewide Economic Growth<\/p>\n
SPC\u2019s impact mirrors broader findings across the Florida College System (FCS), which has been identified as a major driver of statewide economic growth. Florida\u2019s 28 state colleges play a critical role in producing a skilled workforce that supports Florida\u2019s continued population growth, business relocation and national competitiveness.<\/p>\n
Proposed state investment in the FCS further underscores the importance of CTE at institutions like SPC.<\/p>\n
Gov. Ron DeSantis\u2019 recommended 2026\u201327 Floridians First Budget includes:<\/p>\n
\n$1.9 billion for the Florida College System
\n$800 million for workforce education programs
<\/p>\n
The proposed funding builds on more than $12 billion invested in higher education and workforce development since 2019 and would support nursing education, career and technical programs and apprenticeship opportunities across the state.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese investments recognize that state colleges are essential to Florida\u2019s economic success,\u201d said Dr. Williams. \u201cThey allow us to expand high-demand programs, respond quickly to workforce needs and ensure Floridians have access to affordable, high-quality education that leads to good jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sustaining Economic Momentum in Tampa Bay<\/p>\n
As Tampa Bay continues to grow, SPC remains a cornerstone of the region\u2019s economic infrastructure. By providing accessible education, advancing workforce readiness and partnering closely with employers, SPC helps ensure the region has the skilled talent needed to compete, innovate and prosper.<\/p>\n
The economic impact data affirms SPC\u2019s mission in action: transforming lives through learning while generating measurable economic value for students, businesses and communities throughout Tampa Bay.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In recognition of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February, St. Petersburg College highlights the significant impact…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":143867,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[135,137,136],"class_list":["post-143866","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-tampa","tag-tampa","tag-tampa-headlines","tag-tampa-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/143866","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=143866"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/143866\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/143867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=143866"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=143866"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=143866"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}