ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — If you’re near downtown St. Pete this weekend, get ready to hear the rumble of roaring engines. It’s the 20th annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
The Grand Prix is one of St. Pete’s largest events, with upwards of 150,000 people expected to attend throughout the weekend. The event typically helps support the local economy, but this year the race is putting money directly into local organizations that create opportunities for youth.
Pinellas Technical College is one of the recipients and is set to receive $25,000 to fund scholarships for students in the automotive program.
“We have a lot of students in our local community that need assistance to be able to actually finish their program or they may not be able to,” said Jodi Kirk, assistant director of Pinellas Tech. “A lot of our students are full-time working professionals and so any bit that we can cover and help them with is going to benefit them immensely.”
There are about 30 students this term, which just began last week. Students get hands-on experience working in the shop, learning repair and maintenance skills. They’ll leave the program with all the knowledge they need to obtain their Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.
Program leaders said enrollment has been steady in recent years and they have a near 100% job placement rate to local dealerships.
Morgan Radick loves working with cars, which is why she chose to enroll in the school’s automotive program. Radick is on track to graduate in June and is thankful for the support she has received from her professors.
“It’s a great place to learn,” she said. “I’ve had amazing teachers. My first teacher has been in the industry for like 60 years.”
Radick added that the hands-on learning experience has equipped her with everything she needs to launch her career.
“I just want to keep working on cars, hopefully move up to a service advisor one day and just grow as a mechanic,” she said.
The money was raised by past IndyCar Series winners, race officials and community leaders at a fundraiser event on Friday night. In addition to Pinellas Technical College, Youth Sports, Cultured Books Literacy Foundation and AKA Academy will also receive funds.
Brian Rea
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