St. Pete College Workforce Program Sets Student On New Career Path

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Adelle LeCroy raised four children, and when she was down to two still at home, both young adults, she decided it was time to do something for herself.

LeCroy, who had worked in maintenance for years, decided to pursue her associate in science degree in computer networking administration at SPC in 2016.

“I first attended SPC right after I graduated high school, but then I had my daughter and had to give it up,” LeCroy said. “I’d been working in maintenance for three years, and I just knew there was something else I needed to do. I needed to do something for me.”

LeCroy, who is currently employed by SPC in technical support, earned her Cisco Certified Network Associate Certificate in 2017. She felt so empowered that she decided to go ahead and finish her AS degree. She wrapped that up in 2020 and still wanted to go farther.

“I’m hoping to earn my bachelor’s in technology development and management in 2024,” she said. “The project management element of this degree has helped me so much. I feel more confident and comfortable dealing with faculty and students in my current position. Plus, the job helps me to contextualize what I’m learning in class.”

Now, LeCroy wants to give back to the college. She’s a member of college organizations and clubs like Women on the Way and its advisory board, as well the SPC Foundation’s Scholarship Committee.

“I am reaching for the opportunity of growth and education in my college career,” LeCroy said. “I chose SPC because not only was I allowed to learn in ways that I liked, but I was also given a community that supported me and allowed me to become who I am today.”

LeCroy credits her studies at SPC as a catalyst to bringing dreams to life — dreams that she didn’t fully believe she could achieve.

“My biggest fear was to not be able to gain and maintain a successful career,” she said. “But I love my work so much, and that’s a lifelong dream for me. It didn’t happen overnight, and I still have a little way to go. I’m not perfect, but I’m so proud of myself.”

February is Career and Technical Education Month, and St. Petersburg College is celebrating Career and Technical Education Month in February by sharing success stories like LeCroy's.

Some of the fastest-growing occupations in Florida only require short-term degrees or certifications, which is why CTE programs are integral to SPC’s mission to ensure that its students are workforce-ready and prepared to take the next steps on their academic journey.

More than 500 companies advise SPC to help shape the college’s curriculum to local workforce needs. SPC currently offers more than 110 programs, including more than 30 two-year associate in science degrees and 60 one-year certificates to get graduates in the workforce.

Thanks to its career-focused programs, almost 90 percent of its associate in science graduates are employed or continue their education after graduation. The college also offers more than 90 short-term training opportunities that provide individuals and corporations with the skills and certifications to meet evolving workforce demands.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has made it a goal for the state to be the best in the nation for workforce development by 2030 through the Get There initiative.