ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA / AGILITYPR.NEWS / June 18, 2025 / St. Petersburg College (SPC) is proud to announce a bold new initiative that will make the first step toward a career in hospitality more accessible than ever. Through a powerful partnership with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VisitSPC) and the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), eligible students can now take SPC’s revamped Introduction to Hospitality course — completely tuition-free.

As part of SPC’s continued commitment to aligning academic offerings with industry needs, the revamped course will eliminate traditional textbooks in favor of interactive, locally driven content. Leveraging resources from VisitSPC and the Pinellas Chapter of the FRLA, including high-quality videos, images, and insights from local industry leaders, the course offers students an immersive look into the diverse segments of the hospitality sector, from hotels and resorts to event planning and tourism operations.

“Relaunching this course was about creating something timely, engaging, and grounded in the real world,” said Dr. Louise Black, SPC Hospitality and Management faculty. “We’ve reimagined hospitality education as something that starts in the classroom and reaches into the community. This isn’t just a textbook course — it’s a blueprint for future professionals.”

The Pinellas Chapter of the FRLA will offer vital scholarship assistance, ensuring educational opportunities are available for students. Additionally, they will be taking the students out of the classroom for “on-the-field,” curated destination learnings and experiences as well as providing dedicated material for the course. VisitSPC will be providing coursework and direction, helping coordinate access to hands-on experience with our industry partners.

“The FRLA Pinellas Board is the driving force behind our commitment to the success and growth of the hospitality industry,” said Dannette Lynch, Regional Director of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “We are honored to partner with SPC and Visit St. Pete-Clearwater on this initiative. These scholarships will give students the chance to explore career opportunities in their own backyard, with access to industry leaders and meaningful employment pathways.”

Reflecting on the course's broader academic vision and its real-world relevance, Dr. Emmanuel Hernandez-Agosto, Dean of SPC’s College of Business, shared that he is thrilled to announce the revamped Introduction to Hospitality course that was developed in collaboration with industry leaders and these organizations.

“This innovative course offers our students the unique opportunity to learn directly from industry partners, visit their facilities, and explore the diverse aspects of hospitality that often go unnoticed,” said Hernandez-Agosto. “We are committed to providing our students with unparalleled experiences and insights that will prepare them to excel in the dynamic world of hospitality."

Key course enhancements include:

• No Textbook Required: Reduces costs and increases accessibility.
• Industry Content from VisitSPC: Curated materials showcasing local attractions and employers.
• Misconception-Busting Modules: Breaking down barriers and reshaping perceptions of hospitality careers.
• Local Employer Spotlights: Real-world relevance through case studies of area businesses.
• Hands-On Experiences: Direct engagement with industry leaders and work environments.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Funding support through the Pinellas Chapter of the FRLA for eligible students.
• Open Enrollment: Available to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.

This initiative comes at a critical time for the region. Pinellas County’s tourism industry reached an all-time high in 2024, generating $11.2 billion in economic impact and attracting more than 15.4 million visitors. With one in ten jobs in the county tied to tourism and hospitality, SPC’s new offering is a strategic investment in workforce development and economic sustainability.

Learn more about the course and scholarship opportunity by visiting spcollege.edu.