INVEST in Our Community's Need for Career and Technical Training

According to research, in the next three years alone, nearly 100,000 skilled job openings in Florida could remain unfilled from lack of qualified workers. Technical schools in Hillsborough County place approximately 2,300 students in jobs each year, demonstrating an economic impact of more than $43 million – and this is a conservative estimate based on entry-level wages that are sure to increase with experience. More trained workers are critical to the success of business in the Bay area, with the need only increasing in order to attract new business to the area.

The Hillsborough Education Foundation, working with the business community and Hillsborough County Public Schools are addressing this considerable need, by raising funds to be used for INVEST Career and Technical Scholarships.

“I love my position in nursing. We needed a second income after my second son was born and this gave me the chance to train quickly, get to work and collect a paycheck.” The training I received at Erwin, complete with my externship at another hospital prepared me well. I am able to gain practical experience very quickly.
1999 graduate of Erwin, Nichole, 29, employed at an area Bay Care Hospital
Employed immediately

Many of the students are able to receive financial aid to assist with tuition, but such assistance does not pay for additional required expenses.

Examples of Additional Costs for Technical and Career Students:

• Textbooks & School Supplies: $250 - $400
• Auto Technician – Basic Tools: $250
• Drafting Kits: $50 - $100 each
• Drafting Equipment – Basic Planimeter: $265
• Medical Scrubs, Uniforms: $20 - $35 per set
• Stethoscopes: $129 - $300
• Specialized Uniform Footwear: $25 - $60
• Construction/Trigonometry Calculator: $79
• Construction Hard Hats, Goggles, Tool Belts: $49 - $79
• Certification/License Exams: $150 - $350

By contributing to the INVEST program, scholarship assistance is made available for deserving students who may thrive in the career and technical training environment.

“I am doing what I always wanted, and although I took a few detours after high school, I’m so glad to be in construction. I make a great salary and am able to support my family.”
Shane, age 34, employed at a local architecture firm
Promotions received - Three
Graduate of Erwin, 2002, employed immediately
Studied Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)

Please support this program

What can you do to ensure we have a well-trained workforce ready to fill positions as so many skilled trade-persons near retirement?

• Sponsor the Initiative for Vocational Education, Scholarships, and Training (INVEST), which provides funds for students to pursue post-secondary technical education.
• Help us advocate for additional funds from the Florida legislature to support Technical Education Centers
• Invite the Foundation to make a presentation on workforce development

Helping our county’s students reach their goals for a stable and successful future is a way to assist with the prosperity of our community. Assisting students with gifts and grants as small as $500 and $1,000 can be a significant factor in providing for the needs, of Career and Technical students.