Increasing college attainment in Tampa Bay by one percentage point -- that's about 28,000 graduates -- will produce an annual Talent Dividend of $3.06 billion. The region has initially focused on its nearly 800,000 residents with some college but no degree but will expand its efforts in the long-term to focus on workforce readiness and talent retention.
Three competing MSAs -- Bradenton, Lakeland, and Tampa -- are part of the Tampa Bay region, and the Tampa Bay Partnership is working to coordinate efforts across the region. Ken Atwater, President of Hillsborough Community College, has accepted the challenge to lead the initiative for the region. A flagship effort of Tampa Bay's Talent Dividend Initiative has been
Graduate Tampa Bay, an online resource hub for people seeking to complete their degrees.