Saint Leo University launches Skills Academy
ST. LEO – Saint Leo University has launched a Skills Academy with online courses that will allow students to quickly learn new and in-demand skills while gaining a competitive edge.
These certification and training programs are designed with industry leaders. Students will learn from professionals as well as Saint Leo faculty who offer the latest insight and advice on best practices.
Programs include:
- Generative AI course, developed by artificial intelligence experts from digital marketing agency, Bake More Pies.
- Cybersecurity Certification Program, developed with support from ConnectWise founder Arnie Bellini and John Strand, owner of Black Hills Information Security.
“With fields and technology changing rapidly, research shows workers must be flexible and ready to upskill or reskill to stay current and competitive,” said Katie Chamberlain, executive director of business development. “Saint Leo University’s Skills Academy provides the courses, knowledge and practical learning in just a few weeks so that those who complete the program are ready.”
On the web: skillsacademy.saintleo.edu
Kids’ creations support school art programs
TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Kids Tag Art store is open.
The collaboration among Hillsborough County by Tax Collector Nancy Millan, Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Hillsborough Education Foundation allows fifth-graders to design vanity license plates while learning about local government. The idea is to educate students and strengthen art education.
“The Kids Tag Art Program brings out the amazing creativity in our fifth-grade students while teaching them about the role of local government in their community,” Millan said. “Every time I see these young artists’ faces light up when they show us their designs, I’m reminded of why this program is so special.”
Proceeds from sales go back to each participating school’s art program to fund supplies and resources. The store has raised more than $100,000 for art programs. Each participating art teacher received over $800 in 2024 to buy art supplies, according to Millan.
Visit hillstax.org/shop to browse the collection, which includes license plates, key chains and mugs.
Catholic micro-school coming to Tampa Bay area
TAMPA – St. Peter Claver Catholic School will begin operating in a new Micro-School model next school year, beginning in August 2025.
This model provides an innovative, individualized approach to education for students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
Designed to meet the unique learning needs of each student, the new micro-school model fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth and creativity in a nurturing, small-classroom environment, according to the school.
The micro-school will feature the following grade-level groups: kindergarten, grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grades 5-8 (middle school), creative arts, physical education, STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math), academic support and sports.
Teachers will engage with students more closely, tailoring instruction to meet their strengths and areas for growth.
Call 813-224-0865 for details or to schedule a tour.
