St. Pete Standard

The City of St. Petersburg has announced two significant partnerships aimed at enhancing youth development and workforce readiness 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," stated 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."

The Prosperity Pathways program is designed for students in grades 7-12 across four BGCS locations, offering career-focused training in fields such as healthcare, technology, finance, and construction. The initiative includes paid apprenticeships, industry mentorships, and job placement support, aiming to engage 100 students annually with a goal that 90% of graduates secure full-time employment.

Meanwhile, the M.A.S.T.R. Kids Program will now reach an additional 60-70 students each year by focusing on literacy and STEAM skills for K-8 students in South St. Petersburg. The program provides after-school and summer academic support alongside tutoring, health activities, and wraparound services to improve literacy rates and close achievement gaps.

"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."

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast aims to provide high-quality out-of-school experiences that help young people graduate from high school ready for future challenges while demonstrating good character and citizenship.

In November 2024, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay merged with BGCS to form a unified organization dedicated to empowering youth throughout Pinellas County and Tampa Bay area.

For more information about these programs or how they can benefit local youth initiatives:

Prosperity Pathways: Visit www.bgcsun.org or contact Cassie Kackley at ckackley@bgcsun.org

M.A.S.T.R Kids: Visit www.sppf.org