City of St. Petersburg Secures Two Key Partnerships to Support Youth Development and Workforce Readiness

hcarver56
Jan 16
3 min read

January 16, 2024 – The City of St. Petersburg has forged two new partnerships to enhance opportunities for youth in the community. A $250,000 investment will support the Prosperity Pathways program with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast (BGCS), while a $1 million, four-year agreement with the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation (SPPF) will expand the M.A.S.T.R. Kids® Program.

"These partnerships align with the City’s commitment to equitable education and youth development," said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. "By investing in these programs, we are ensuring St. Petersburg’s youth are equipped with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed."

Workforce Development Through Prosperity Pathways

The Prosperity Pathways program will serve students in grades 7-12 across four BGCS locations. It will provide career-focused training in healthcare, technology, finance, and construction, including paid apprenticeships, industry mentorships, and job placement support. The program aims to engage 100 students annually, with 90% of graduates securing full-time employment.

Academic and STEAM Support for South St. Petersburg Youth

The M.A.S.T.R. Kids® Program, now expanding to reach 60-70 more students annually, will focus on improving literacy and STEAM skills for K-8 students in South St. Petersburg. The program includes after-school and summer academic support, tutoring, health and wellness activities, and wraparound services. The goal is to improve literacy rates, close achievement gaps, and prevent summer learning loss.

"The City is committed to providing our youth with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world," said Dr. Sheron Brown, Director of Education and Youth Opportunities at the City of St. Petersburg. "These partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation represent a significant step forward in ensuring that our students are not only prepared for the future but equipped to lead it. By investing in workforce readiness and academic excellence, we are helping to build a brighter, more equitable future for all of St. Petersburg’s youth."

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast:

BGCS aims to provide high quality out of school time Club experiences proven to ensure our young people, especially those who need us most, are on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrate good character and citizenship, and live a healthy lifestyle. They provide vital youth services to children and teens throughout Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area that help them reach their full potential.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay announced a merger in November 2024. This transformative step will unite two trusted organizations with a shared commitment to empowering youth and building brighter futures. Stay tuned for more updates as they officially join forces to create one unified organization dedicated to serving the needs of our community’s youth at www.bgcsun.org and www.bgctampa.org .

For more information about the Prosperity Pathways program, visit www.bgcsun.org or contact Cassie Kackley at ckackley@bgcsun.org.

About the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation:

Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation works to prepare students to be next-generation leaders: teachers, community servants, employees, employers, and family members who excel academically, emotionally, and professionally, with unlimited opportunities for economic success.

To learn more about M.A.S.T.R. Kids®, visit www.sppf.org .

Originally Posted: January 16