$250,000 Donation to Support Fuse Scholarship Program at SPC and USF

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. (August 16, 2025) — St. Petersburg College (SPC), the University of South Florida (USF), and LEAP Tampa Bay College Access Network are celebrating a major milestone in student support and financial access, thanks to a $250,000 gift to the Community Foundation Tampa Bay from Suncoast Credit Union.

The donation will support the Fuse Scholarship Program, established by LEAP Tampa Bay partners at the Community Foundation. Helios Education Foundation is also graciously matching this $250,000 donation. Nearly 50 SPC students are expected to benefit from this most recent contribution as they pursue a four-year degree through the Fuse program at USF.

The Fuse program, a strategic partnership between SPC and USF, offers students a streamlined, affordable route to a bachelor’s degree. Students who enroll in Fuse complete their associate degree at SPC with the guarantee of admission into select USF programs, provided academic requirements are met. The program includes structured advising, mentorship, and financial assistance to remove common barriers that often delay or derail academic progress.

“Education changes lives, and partnerships like this make that transformation possible,” said Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of SPC. “Suncoast Credit Union’s investment in our students removes financial barriers and creates real opportunity. Together, we’re building stronger futures—not just for these students, but for our entire community.”

Suncoast Credit Union’s investment ensures that students in the Fuse program can access essential resources such as textbooks, transportation, and academic supplies. The scholarships are already making a profound difference for students who credit the program with providing the stability and encouragement they needed to stay on course.

“Our mission calls us to improve the communities we serve and there can be no greater investment than in the education of future citizens,” said Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “This partnership will help secure the futures of promising, young scholars, which in turn strengthens the community we all share.”

The donation was made through the Community Foundation Tampa Bay, further demonstrating Suncoast’s longstanding commitment to student success and regional workforce development. The funding supports first-generation and underserved students, aligning with Suncoast’s broader investment in educational equity and financial literacy across Florida.

“There’s no more powerful path to a thriving community than education. The FUSE program is a collaborative, cost-effective approach that puts students on a clear path to a four-year degree. Along with our LEAP partners, we are proud to support this initiative through LEAP, which will coordinate scholarship distribution, and we deeply appreciate Suncoast Credit Union and Helios Education Foundation for their investment in Tampa Bay’s future.”

Together, SPC, USF, and Suncoast Credit Union are not just supporting students; they are transforming lives and creating a stronger, more educated community.