Speer Dream Foundation Celebrates Success and Support for SPC’s First Step Scholarship

9/19/2024

The Speer Dream Foundation is proud to announce its continued support for St. Petersburg College (SPC) by increasing its funding for the First Step Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to help students pursue workforce certificates in high-demand fields, enabling them to gain the skills necessary for rewarding careers.

SPC held a gift celebration in the EpiCenter in Clearwater for the wonderful investment. Jesse Turtle, the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Foundation Executive Director at SPC, kicked off the event, telling how the partnership started with a simple conversation a couple years prior. That conversation eventually led its way to workforce and the goal of creating the best workforce for South St. Pete and the whole community. The Speer Family took the chance to create the First Step Scholarship for non-degree students who can’t get financial aid due to the nature of their schooling.

“When people like the Speer Family come together and give, it opens doors that otherwise would not have opened,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. “We normally give scholarships for credits, but this is a non-credit scholarship. This is for the linemen, the EMTS, the firefighter, or the nurse. This is a different type of scholarship to help open that door for individuals to totally change their lives.”

The First Step Scholarship initially launched through the Speer Dream Foundation’s philanthropic efforts, 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, making 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.”

Lisa Vickers highlighted a member in the audience, Jamie, who received her lineman workforce certification through the assistance of the First Step Scholarship. She also recently joined the realty company owned by the Vickers family. Through both qualifications, Jamie is also assisting her father with his general contracting business. Jamie’s story was applauded as an example of how providing a small bridge can open up different opportunities that can change a future.

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 in the region. St. Petersburg College provided 45 scholarships over the first two years the program has been in place and 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 Turtle.

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.

“The First Step Scholarship has been a phenomenal program for our students and it’s in the right place at St. Petersburg College,” said Deveron Gibbons, St. Petersburg College Board of Trustees. “We are proud that Lisa and Brett, through the Speer Dream Foundation, saw the College as the right vehicle to carry out their work impacting the lives of others in our County and our community.”

About Speer Dream Foundation 

The Speer Dream Foundation is a faith-based private foundation based in St. Petersburg, FL., 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 and bring about positive change that resonates throughout our region. To learn more, visit https://speerdream.org.