A strong workforce pipeline can fuel economic opportunity in local communities. One way to accomplish that goal is to ensure higher education sets students up for success by helping them to develop the skills needed to obtain high-demand careers while also connecting them to successful career opportunities. St. Petersburg College is doing just that – building a diverse talent pipeline and creating workforce development and job placement opportunities in the Tampa Bay region.
The college is developing a concierge-based service delivery model to place students from across the region into employment opportunities targeting information technology, business, finance, and professional services industry sectors. They also will create a centralized alignment office that serves as the primary source of information and translation between business and education.
Through this effort to build a sustainable talent ecosystem for the future, over the next three years, St. Petersburg College is projected to place a minimum of 500 students into high-wage, in-demand careers. The program is targeted toward the job placement of students who are near the end of their educational pathway, focusing on students of color and those struggling financially to achieve their career goals.
Funding from Bank of America is helping St. Petersburg College in its efforts to increase economic mobility in the Tampa Bay region while addressing employers' needs in key industries. Our support of St. Petersburg College is a direct result of our commitment to help advance racial equality and economic opportunity, which focuses on direct action in communities of color where systemic, long-term gaps have existed, and significant change is required to achieve sustainable progress.
"St. Petersburg College is excited to collaborate with Bank of America to strengthen the workforce in the Tampa Bay region by better connecting the talent supply with industry demand," St. Petersburg College President Dr. Tonjua Williams said. "We know that by working together we will help students prepare for - and transition into - higher paying jobs that result in economic prosperity, especially for those with limited means."
"We recognize the importance of connecting young adults with meaningful employment opportunities," said Bill Goede, President, Bank of America Tampa Bay. "Through our partnership with St. Petersburg College, we are helping to build a stronger pipeline of diverse talent, contributing to a thriving Tampa Bay community."
Connecting students to meaningful employment and preparing them for jobs that exist in their communities requires strong local partnerships. Bank of America is committed to helping communities build a pipeline of diverse talent and fuel local economic growth.
