St. Petersburg College Unveils New Innovation Hub
The new space at the Tarpon Springs Campus supports the entrepreneurial spirit and the growth of local manufacturing businesses.
This is a media advisory from St. Petersburg College. For more information, contact Rita Farlow, AVP, Marketing and Strategic Communications, at 727-302-6526 or Samantha Stanich, Communications/PR Coordinator, at 727-341-4195.
Individuals and businesses will be empowered to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams at St. Petersburg College's Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub. Located at the Tarpon Springs Campus, the Innovation Hub will be unveiled as a central location for manufacturing, creativity, and collaboration at a kickoff celebration on Feb. 20. SPC is proud to offer a space for technology, conferences, and offices that offers vital commercial and social value to Pinellas County.
This 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art space is named after Chris Sprowls, the former Florida House of Representatives Speaker. It honors his vision of cultivating a skilled workforce by fostering skill development, encouraging collaboration, and contributing to the growth of local manufacturing businesses.
Sprowls is a featured speaker at the kickoff, along with Tarpon Springs Mayor Costa Vatikiotis. SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams will also give remarks. The celebration will also showcase the advanced manufacturing technology available at the Innovation Hub, including 3D printers, drones, and laser equipment demonstrations.
"With the unveiling of our new innovation workforce hub, we embrace a pivotal opportunity to work closer with the community, to build partnerships with businesses, and, above all, empower our students,” said Rod Davis, Provost of the SPC Tarpon Springs Campus. “This transformative endeavor not only symbolizes SPC's commitment to progress but also serves innovative opportunities that lie ahead."
This space comprises three separate and distinct areas within the Hub that can be rented:
- Entrepreneurial Space
- Makerspace
- Event Space
The renovated Hub reimagines work areas that provide entrepreneurs, inventors, and artisans with the tools, equipment, and workspace to bring their ideas to life. These ideas can become entrepreneurial solutions to meet the growing demands for manufacturing, entrepreneurs, and high-technology industries.
“The Sprowls Hub is a solution to building a sustainable talent pipeline for the future,” said Dr. Jackie Skryd, SPC’s Vice President of Workforce Development and Corporate Partnerships. “It gives us a place where students can gain practical skills and real-world experience, ensuring job readiness. It is also a place where students, businesses, the College, and the community can connect, network, develop ideas, and collaborate, ultimately leading to placement in great jobs. I don’t know of a place like this in the area, but it adds to the Tampa Bay region’s position as a national leader in talent and innovation.”
View this video and learn more about the Hub and SPC's continued journey to success!
What: Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub
Where: Tarpon Springs Campus, BB Building of the Tarpon Springs Campus, 600 Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs
Date: Feb. 20, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Guest speakers are available for media interviews after the opening presentation.