St. Petersburg – The St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School (SPCSHS) celebrated a landmark achievement with the graduation of its inaugural Class of 2025. This trailblazing class saw 21 graduates simultaneously earn their high school diploma and an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree. What’s truly remarkable is that 17 of these 21 graduates went a step further, achieving their high school diploma alongside both an A.S. degree and an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree—an unprecedented accomplishment in the history of St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools.

A Vision for Workforce Readiness

SPCSHS was established to fulfill the State of Florida’s vision of providing free educational opportunities in underserved areas. The goal was to equip students with certifications and degrees, paving the way for high-demand careers and competitive wages. The core idea was to allow students to earn their high school diploma while simultaneously pursuing an A.S. degree in fields like Computer Information Technology or Data Systems, all without the burden of tuition, book, or fee costs. This innovative approach was designed to reshape a community’s economic landscape by cultivating a skilled workforce, thereby boosting regional economic development and mobility.

However, SPCSHS elevated this vision by introducing the option to also earn an A.A. degree. This addition provides students with “the best of both worlds,” according to SPCSHS Principal, Dr. Raquel Hairston. “Our STEM program helps meet students where they are. Students gain workforce-ready skills and industry certifications that come with an A.S. degree, but they also can acquire a transferable A.A. degree, opening doors for seamless progression to university-level studies if they choose to continue their academic journey.”

The vision for SPCSHS is to cultivate learners and leaders who are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the practical skills needed for the modern workforce. By offering the unique opportunity to earn both an A.A. and A.S. degree alongside a high school diploma, SPCSHS is setting a new standard for accessible and impactful education, empowering its graduates to confidently pursue diverse career paths and higher education opportunities.