Saint Leo to offer AI degree
Saint Leo University announced the offering of a new degree: Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to a news release.
The master’s in AI will be offered as an online STEM-designated degree targeted to individuals currently working in the technology field or engineering to “upskill” and to those just coming out of a bachelor’s degree program who need to build skills.
The university will begin offering the degree in August, building on its undergraduate programs including computer science, robotics and AI, and cybersecurity.
Saint Leo will be one of the few universities in the area offering a graduate degree program solely for artificial intelligence.
Donation drive for ABC
Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will collect donations during July for the Pasco County School District’s ABC (Assist, Believe & Care) Program, which was created to provide financial assistance to students and their families who are experiencing economic hardship.
Donated cash will go into a fund for teachers to use when they see or learn of a need a student may have. Donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County or online at GovHub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate.
For more information about ABC, contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.
Back-to-School Drive Thru
The Church at Myrtle Lake, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host a Back-to-School Drive Thru on July 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., for kindergarten through 12th grade. Children attending will receive free backpacks and school supplies, while supplies last. more information, visit MyrtleLake.org.
Earn service hours
Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes is looking for high school students to volunteer during their summer break, to earn themselves community service hours for Bright Futures. Visit https://bit.ly/3xED43d to learn more about how to make a difference.
- Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful also is looking for high school seniors and college students to earn service hours and qualify for a scholarship worth up to $3,000. Sign up for one or more events online at EventBrite.com. Students also can organize their own clean-ups and beautification projects for extra qualification and points. Application runs from Aug. 12 to Sept. 21.
Back to School Event
UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County will host a Back to School Event on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the One Stop Shop, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. For information and to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-to-school-event-tickets-923958563937.
New council gives students voice
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) had its first election for the newly created National Student Council. The 10 students elected to the council will advocate on behalf of millions of their peers on federal policies that directly shape their educational experiences, according to a news release.
The election comes at a time when politicians rarely engage students. A 2024 Common Sense Media survey found that nearly two-thirds of 12- to 17-year-olds said elected officials did not reflect the needs and experiences of young people, the release says.
The 2024-2025 National Student Council officers are:
- President: Anjali Verma, Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, West Chester
- Vice president of leadership development: Kaylyn Woods, William M. Davies Career & Technical High School, Rhode Island
- Vice president of membership: Paige Goble, Lake Braddock Secondary School, Virginia
- Vice president of communications: Jamyson Posey, Fairmont Senior High, West Virginia
- Secretary: Khadija Sissoko, Ocean Lakes High, Virginia
- Junior vice president of leadership development: Jocelyn Ridenour, Margaret Buerkle Middle, Missouri
- Junior vice president of service: Evan Rawls, John P. Freeman Optional School, Tennessee
- Junior vice president of membership: Isabella Schmit, Tuloso-Midway Middle, Texas
- Junior vice president of communications: Jaycee Lang, Mexia Junior High, Texas
The new council members’ terms will start in the fall, at which time they will identify the most pressing challenges facing students and then advocate for solutions. For m ore information, visit https://www.natstuco.org/.
A shell-ebration of connection
The staff at East Pasco Education Academy (EPEA) in Dade City started their summer break by selecting a summer buddy from a variety of plush turtles, a tradition that was initiated in summer 2023. The activity is to keep staff connected and smiling during the summer months, according to a news release.
Teachers chose and named a plush turtle companion, embarking on a summer of shared adventures and heartwarming experiences.
Throughout the summer, the turtles were showcased in photos taken on vacation, at meet-ups with other teachers and even during doctor appointments.
“The playful and imaginative connection that this brings to EPEA staff members has really brought us even closer together,” said Principal Shelley Carrino in the release.
The tradition has not only strengthened the bond between staff members but also has humanized teachers, creating a new level of engagement and connection with students and parents.
For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us.
PHSC Foundation awarded grant
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) Foundation received a $40,000 grant from the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, according to a news release.
Over the summer term and continuing throughout the upcoming academic year, the Roberts Community College Fund will provide more than 50 scholarships with preference given to students who are parents and may not qualify for other financial aid, the release says.
The fund was established in 2009 in memory of Roberts, raised by a single mother, a lifelong donor to PHSC. Since 2011, the fund has provided $630,000 to assist PHSC students through scholarships.
For more information, visit CFSarasota.org, or call 941-955-3000.
