New St. Pete Collegiate High To Award Stem Certificates To Students

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A new St. Petersburg Collegiate High School will open in fall 2022 teaching students in grades 9-12 STEM skills, a St. Pete College news release said.

The downtown campus, like the others, will allow students to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and an associate degree. SPCHS-downtown students will also graduate with at least two industry certifications that prepare them for in-demand STEM careers. Books and tuition will be free for the high school students, a news release said.

Starla Metz, St. Pete College's associate vice president of accelerated programs said students will begin in a grade-level cohort, taking predominantly high school courses, but will also learn college success skills, take college computer courses, and after-school tutoring will be offered to ensure their success.

“The technical level of college reading is high, and at that age, they haven’t really developed habits like studying and reading for college, so we’ll take that first year to shore up their skills and give them a rock-solid foundation, no matter where they are,” Metz said.

SPCHS-Gibbs Campus Junior Selah Williams said that though she wasn’t sure what to expect, her experience has been a great one.

“I didn’t know if I’d get the high school experience I wanted, or how much support I’d be offered," Williams said. “But as soon as I met everyone, I fit right in and felt super comfortable. You still get that high school feel, but with so much support.”

Parents interested in learning about what SPCHS offers can RSVP at stpe.co/infosession22 to join one of SPC's following information sessions:

• SPC Downtown Center

Monday, April 25, 6-7 p.m. or Tuesday, May 3, 6-7 p.m.

244 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, Room DC-210

• Online Session

Tuesday, April 26, 6-7 p.m.

Learn more about SPCHS and its admission requirements at spchs.spcollege.edu.