Resident Training and Education Programs

Part of the mission of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is to help our residents achieve self-sufficiency. Our Section 3 program is just one resource that provides residents with access to jobs and assists them in their pursuit of education.

Section 3 is a provision of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Act of 1968, requiring that all housing authorities, to the greatest extent possible, provide job training, employment, and contract opportunities for low or very-low income residents in connection with projects and activities in their neighborhoods. Por favor, haga clic aquí para "SPHA en Español"

Am I eligible to participate?

If you are a resident of one of SPHA's six public housing developments (Clearview Park Apartments, Disston Place Apartments, Gateway Place Apartments, Jordan Park, Romayne Apartments, Sunset Oaks Apartments) or if you live in the area where a HUD-assisted project is located and have a household income that falls below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, you may qualify as a Section 3 resident. Click here to view HUD's Income Limits.

Why should I participate in the Section 3 program?

Through Section 3 program, SPHA can help you find a job with one of our contractors or with the housing authority. If you are a small-business owner, we can help you find contracts for your company. If you need training or classes to become job-ready, we can assist you with course fees.

How can I sign up for the Section 3 program?

If you live in an SPHA public housing development and are interested in participating in the Section 3 program, please download this Self-Certification Form (PDF), complete it, and e-mail it to training@stpeteha.org. You also can drop off the completed form at SPHA's Leasing Office or mail it to:

St. Petersburg Housing Authority Leasing Office
4888 21st Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33713

How can SPHA help me with my training and education needs?

Through our Resident Training and Education Fund, SPHA can offer you assistance paying for the training courses or classes you may need to complete your education (through GED classes) or become job-ready (through certifications or licensure). Our goal is to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the work place.

Public housing residents in good standing are eligible to receive assistance with tuition for job-training courses or classes through the Resident Training and Education Fund. To apply for assistance, bring your student registration documentation to SPHA’s Leasing Office at 4888 21st Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713.. Property management staff will provide you with a copy of SPHA’s Training Request Form.

You also can download a PDF copy of the Training Request Form at this link.

Complete the form and return it to SPHA’s Leasing Office at 4888 21st Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713. Once you are verified as a resident in good standing, SPHA staff will contact the training provider/school to verify the class and to arrange payment for it. Please be advised that SPHA must deem the training to be appropriate and maintains complete discretion when making funding decisions.

For more information about how to apply for assistance, call 727-323-3171, ext. 238, or e-mail training@stpeteha.org.

How can SPHA help me find a job?

Employment opportunities are available through our contractors or at the housing authority. Job openings are posted at all public housing developments and are advertised in the newspaper. Jobs typically are in the areas of administration, management, clerical support, and construction.

I'm a resident, and I own a small business. Can SPHA help my business find work too?

Click here to learn more about how SPHA can connect resident owned or operated businesses with contractors.

Tutoring Programs

SPHA, Winn Companies/Landex Management, and Quantum Leap Educational Services have partnered to provide a free educational program, called the SUCCESS program, for school-aged children living in SPHA's public housing developments. The SUCCESS program encourages learning through educational activities and personalized tutoring.

What is the SUCCESS program?

The SUCCESS program uses innovative and creative teaching methods to address Florida Department of Education (FDOE) initiatives in the subject areas of FCAT, math, reading, writing, and science. The program’s curriculum, which has earned a rating of “Excellent” from the FDOE, includes fun, real-life activities to engage students in learning and to demonstrate the importance of these core subjects.

When do students meet with tutors?

During after-school hours, students meet with tutors in a small-group setting at the Jordan Park Management office (1245 Jordan Park Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712) twice a week for 60 to 90 minutes per session.

How do I apply for my children?

Because there is limited space in the SUCCESS program, parents are encouraged to apply now by completing an application. Copies of the application are available at the Jordan Park Management office (1245 Jordan Park Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712). Students are now being accepted.

Are there any resources for parents?

SPHA encourages parents to take an active role in their child’s learning process. Progress reports monitoring each student’s achievement in the SUCCESS program are provided monthly to parents. In addition, Quantum Leap offers the Florida School Choice Parent Resource Center, which supplies information to parents regarding public school choice, parental involvement and other educational resources at no additional cost. The Parent Resource Bus, a traveling information center and a new program addition, will be visiting Jordan Park during this school year.

How can I learn more?

For more information on the SUCCESS program or the Florida School Choice Parent Resource Center, families may call the Jordan Park Management office at 727-322-9327, or Jennifer Radebach, program coordinator, at 1-877-295-LEAP (5327).