Generation USA, a nonprofit organization that provides free job training, placement, and support to help people find life-changing careers, is excited to announce its partnership with St. Petersburg College (SPC) to offer its free, bootcamp-style, online Digital Marketing program with the goal to train 50 students.
“The Digital Marketing Analyst program at St. Petersburg College is a great way for students to dive into an exciting and in-demand career by gaining technical and leadership skills that lead to highly recognized industry certifications,” said Belinthia Berry, acting dean of workforce development.
Made possible through the Verizon Skill Forward Initiative, Verizon committed more than $44 million over several years to Generation to help close the opportunity gap for workers and increase access to digital skills. This initiative is part of Verizon’s responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon, with a goal to prepare 500,000 individuals for jobs of the future by 2030.
These programs, which are open to anyone seeking to expand their skillset and pursue a career in the technology field, give learners opportunities to build and refine the skills needed to excel and launch new careers upon graduation.
SPC alumni rank first in Florida for earning the highest entry wages among state community college graduates. SPC was founded in 1927 as St. Petersburg Junior College, Florida’s first two-year college. Access, excellence and student support are the hallmarks of St. Petersburg College. Regionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC was the first state college in Florida to offer bachelor’s degrees. St. Petersburg College offers more than 180 degrees and certificate programs of study, and many high-demand, high-skill, industry-recognized workforce certifications. The college offers a career-focused curriculum created in conjunction with industry experts to ensure students are able to meet the needs of today’s employers.
The school’s intersection of culture and community complements Generation’s goal of transforming education to employment systems to prepare, place, and support people into life-changing careers that would otherwise be inaccessible.
“We’re thrilled to partner with SPC and work to provide jobs in Tampa and St. Pete for new and emerging fields like digital marketing,” said Sean Segal, Generation USA CEO. “The combination of our programs and St. Petersburg College’s deep workforce relationships in the community will be a win for both our students and employers.”
“This program emphasizes Verizon’s commitment to providing at-risk populations with the tech skills they need for the digital workforce,” said Courtney Barnard, government affairs and local engagement, Verizon. “This initiative is aligned with Citizen Verizon, our responsible business plan that focuses on expanding resources for the populations who need it most to help them prosper and thrive.”
In addition to these programs, Generation offers a myriad of online reskilling programs that provide free resources and access to multiple career pathways and full-time employment opportunities in high-demand technology sectors.
For more information on the program or to apply, prospective participants and interested employers can visit usa.generation.org/tampa.
