TAMPA, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced $2,000,000 in community project funding from fiscal years 2023 and 2024 for Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Building Tampa’s Tomorrow: Workforce Development Initiative, which includes the Building Construction Academy at Bowers/Whitley magnet school and the Medical Academy at D.W. Waters magnet school. 

Students and the Workforce Academies will enjoy investments in two phases:

Phase 1 - Castor’s fiscal year 2023 community project funding helped launch the high school Medical Academy at D.W. Waters Magnet School and the Construction Academy at the Bowers/Whitley Magnet School. The workforce academies are open to all Hillsborough County Public School students and will train students in the highest-demand fields within Hillsborough County, creating a critical career pipeline and providing opportunities for underrepresented youth in high-skilled trade careers. 

Phase 2 - Castor’s fiscal year 2024 community project funding will support solar roof installation, updated training, such as electrical wiring simulation, and HVAC equipment.

Additional media from yesterday's event can be accessed here.

Tampa Bay area students will grow their academic and workforce skills with a clear pathway into apprenticeships and good-paying careers. Thanks to Hillsborough County Public Schools, I see a bright future ahead for local students in careers with competitive benefits in the trades right out of high school,” said Castor. 

Castor continued, “Tampa Bay area labor unions like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Plumbers and Pipefitters, and Operating Engineers are excited to connect with local students right out of high school to meet the needs of our rapidly growing community. Partnerships and opportunities provided at the Academies ensure that students can succeed in life with necessary skills, good wages, and health care and retirement benefits.”

Background: HCPS Building Tampa’s Tomorrow: Workforce Development Initiative prepares students with the skills, training and certifications necessary to pursue careers in high-demand trades for free while they continue their education. Graduates of the Building Construction Academy and Medical Academy will receive their high school diploma as well as industry certifications.