SPC’s Better Jobs, Better Lives initiative is focused on post-completion outcomes

SPC’s Better Jobs, Better Lives initiative is focused on post-completion outcomes

June 20, 2024 by St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College (SPC) is part of a national network that is leading the charge in ensuring that community colleges are major drivers of the U.S. workforce. Last year, SPC joined a network of 10 community colleges across the country for the Aspen Institute’s Unlocking Opportunity: The Post-Graduation Success and Equity Network.

“Community colleges are realizing our job is not done until the student gets a better job. The finish line has been moved from degree or certificate completion to getting high wage jobs or transferring to a bachelor’s program,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams.

As part of its work with the network, SPC has been focusing on strengthening its academic programs and developing new models for expanding opportunities for students to attain better jobs which ultimately lead to better lives. This “Better Jobs, Better Lives” initiative has helped identify College goals and inform its new 2024-2027 strategic plan.

“Based on state data, we’re focusing on programs that lead to a mid-career wage of at least $52,600 or higher,” said Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, Vice President of Academic Affairs.  “We’re also looking at ways to improve students’ success in transferring to and completing a bachelor’s program without taking extra unnecessary credits.”

“Through academic program development and revision, and faculty engagement, we’re taking a deep dive into ensuring career alignment and preparation for our students, as well as identifying strategies for student and employer engagement to improve career exploration, program selection and career readiness,” said Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, SPC Vice President of Academic Affairs.

To help students successfully transfer to bachelor’s programs, SPC is enhancing partnerships with universities across the state, including the University of South Florida, Florida A&M University, New College of Florida and the University of Central Florida.

SPC’s focus on post-completion outcomes also includes strengthening corporate partnerships.

“Whether it’s talking to students about their company and industry, participating in networking events, or serving on an advisory committee, companies are more involved than ever,” said Dr. Jackie Skryd, SPC Vice-President of Workforce Development and Corporate Partnerships.

As a result, those companies are recruiting directly from SPC programs and students are going directly to work for global companies in Pinellas County such as Plasma-Therm and Jabil.

Last year, SPC boasted 1600 documented job and internship placements.

As the College looks towards the future and its next strategic plan, the emphasis will be on continuing to help students gain better jobs, and in doing so, help strengthen the community.

To read more about this initiative, check out the full story in the most recent issue of SPC’s Illumination magazine.