The City of St. Pete has forged two new partnerships to enhance opportunities for youth 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,” said 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 M.A.S.T.R. Kids® Program, now expanding to reach 60-70 more students annually, will focus on improving literacy and STEAM skills for K-8 students in South St. Petersburg. The program includes after-school and summer academic support, tutoring, health and wellness activities, and wraparound services. The goal is to improve literacy rates, close achievement gaps, and prevent summer learning loss.
“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. By investing in workforce readiness and academic excellence, we are helping to build a brighter, more equitable future for all of St. Petersburg’s youth.”