The Speer Dream Foundation continues the work started by the Speer family in supporting residents in South St. Petersburg who are seeking to advance their workforce skills and qualifications to pursue higher-paying and more rewarding job opportunities. Established in 2022 by the Speer Foundation, this grant presentation marks the third annual commitment to St. Petersburg College (SPC) and students impacted by the First Step Scholarship.
The St. Petersburg College First Step Scholarship was established in 2022 to honor the late Roy Speer, founder of the Home Shopping Network. The scholarship is available to SPC Workforce, Community and Corporate Partnership students. First Step recipients receive a scholarship for full tuition, books, and materials related to their selected workforce training program.
The First Step Scholarship plays a vital role in supporting students who are eager to enter the workforce but may face financial barriers to completing their education. The scholarship covers tuition for students enrolling in workforce certificate programs at SPC. This makes it possible for them to take the first step toward achieving their professional goals.
“We are deeply committed to the success of students at St. Petersburg College and believe that by investing in their education. We are investing in the future of our community,” said Lisa Vickers, CEO of the Speer Dream Foundation. “The First Step Scholarship was created to be a bridge, providing access to the training and education St. Petersburg residents need to thrive in today’s job market. We find it a truly remarkable and worthy endeavor for our Foundation.”
Bringing accessibility to the community
The workforce certificate programs at SPC are designed to align with the needs of local employers and industries. By making these programs more accessible, the Speer Dream Foundation is helping to address the growing demand for skilled professionals. St. Petersburg College provided 45 scholarships over the first two years the program has been in place. The college anticipates awarding 100 scholarships this year.
“We are incredibly honored for the Speer Dream Foundation’s unwavering support of our College and our students and to have them as part of our Titan family. Their generosity has made a significant impact on countless lives, and we look forward to this partnership continuing to grow,” shared Jesse Turtle, VP, Institutional Advancement / Foundation Executive Director, St. Petersburg College.
The Speer Dream Foundation has been a long-standing advocate for education and workforce development. Through its collaboration with St. Petersburg College, the foundation is making a tangible difference in the lives of students who reside in St. Petersburg and the broader business community.
Visit here to learn more information about the First Step Scholarship.
Learn more about the Speer Dream Foundation
The Speer Dream Foundation is a faith-based private foundation based in St. Petersburg, FL. The organization is committed to addressing critical community needs for a meaningful impact in the Tampa Bay region.
The Foundation aims to create lasting and significant improvements in the lives of individuals and communities to make a tangible difference. Learn more about the Speer Dream Foundation here.