Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub

St. Petersburg College is proud to present the Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub at the Tarpon Springs Campus. The manufacturing and makerspace provides entrepreneurs, inventors, and artisans with the necessary tools, equipment, and workspace to bring their ideas to life.

This 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art space honors the vision of Chris Sprowls, the former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, of cultivating a skilled workforce by fostering skill development, encouraging collaboration, and contributing to the growth of local manufacturing businesses.

The Innovation Hub — that will promote economic growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation — serves as a central location for manufacturing, creativity, and collaboration, aligning with the mission of SPC to provide workforce development and educational opportunities.

This space comprises three separate and distinct areas within the Sprowls Hub:

• An Entrepreneurial Space with flexible workspaces, conference rooms, co-working areas, and a Zoom room for virtual connections.
• A Maker Space equipped with advanced manufacturing technology for product development, testing, and teaching.
• An Event Space for larger conferences and presentations, including an area for culinary catering and teaching.

The Hub will stimulate economic growth by supporting manufacturing businesses and startups, creating job opportunities, and attracting investment. It will serve as a space for learning, skill development, and knowledge sharing, empowering individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Furthermore, it will strengthen community ties by providing a social hub where people can gather, collaborate, and engage in meaningful conversations.

Research

There are several dynamic partnership opportunities in the Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub, with a focus on providing students and faculty with the chance to do research, engage in experiential learning, and earn scholarships, paid internships, and industry-approved certifications.

St. Petersburg College seeks to forge research partnerships with corporations in specific industries, such as, technology, manufacturing, health care, and biotechnology.

Industry Training

St. Petersburg College is looking for corporate partners to develop industry-specific training and certification programs. These programs, located at the Hub, will cater to the needs of the industry, providing specialized skills and knowledge to students and professionals. Corporations can ensure through their sponsorships that the curriculum aligns with industry standards and requirements.