Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and Pinellas Technical College Host Signing Day Event for Students

St. Petersburg, Fla. - The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) joined together with Pinellas Technical College (PTC) and its partners to host a signing day event for students served through the Florida Youth College, DJJ's workforce education and credentialing program formerly known as Project Anchor.Through the Florida Youth College, DJJ students at Britt Technical Youth Academy, a career and technical education-focused residential commitment program, can attend classes through Pinellas Technical College with the goal of earning a high-value workforce credential that places them on a direct pathway into a great career.

"DJJ is proud to partner with Pinellas Technical College in providing transformative opportunities for Britt Technical Youth Academy students to pursue a college education," said DJJ Secretary Eric Hall. "This partnership underscores DJJ's commitment to accelerating academic achievement for the students we serve and helping them create lasting and meaningful change in their lives."

"The educational opportunities at Pinellas Technical College that will be made available to these youth who have completed their secondary education will cultivate a foundation for their successful futures," said State Representative Berny Jacques. "I applaud the partnership between the Department of Juvenile Justice and Pinellas Technical College to find innovative ways to best serve the youth in the department's care."

"The partnership between Pinellas Technical College and DJJ will result in success not only for the students but for our community," said Pinellas Technical College St. Petersburg Campus Director Sylester "Boe" Norwood. "Our partnership will help students gain a competitive edge and give them a second chance at a better life and to make their families proud."

"This program will benefit me in the future by helping me to provide for myself and my family," said a Britt Technical Youth Academy student. "It will help me make better decisions and become a positive role model."

"My son was doing stuff he shouldn't have been doing, but he's witty and wise. When he came to the program, I could see that he was learning and changing," said a parent of a Britt Technical Youth Academy student. "I know he's in good hands. I'm thankful he's getting another chance, and I hope he continues doing the same when he comes back home."

DJJ launched Project Anchor in August 2022 as a partnership with Tallahassee State College to enhance workforce education and career readiness for youth in residential commitment programs and those returning to their home communities. Project Anchor was renamed Florida Youth College and to date, the program has admitted nearly 500 youth.

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