ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — At St. Petersburg College, educators are hard at work developing two brand new civics programs thanks to a $677,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

SPC was one of only two state colleges to receive the grant.

Dr. Tara Newsom and Dr. Lars Hafner are heading development of the programs, creating two academies that will:

• Offer workshops for both veteran and new teachers to strengthen their knowledge of American history, civics, and government education

• Provide high school students opportunities to enrich their understandings of American history and civics

Starting in fall 2025, students at SPC's three Collegiate High Schools, and five other local high schools, will be taking the new six-week History and Civics Academy. 

Dr. Hafner says the program targets students in “civics deserts,” or areas where there’s a severe lack of access, opportunities or resources designed to encourage civic engagement.

“(We're) giving them the tools to go out and make a difference in those communities will hopefully turn those deserts into good, green grass,” said Hafner.

Dr. Newsom says the academy for Pinellas County teachers will launch first over the summer.

She says by helping teachers create history and civics curriculum, students will hopefully become more involved in their local communities.

“Making sure that our students are growing up ready to take on leadership roles in civic life, and in professional life, and in their personal life will really make our community much healthier,” said Newsom.

Which, she says, will ultimately benefit the entire community — teaching future leaders how to get involved early on.