06/20/2017
Dear Students, Family, and Friends of STING RAY,
I regret to inform you that the STING RAY Program at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg will not operate in the fall. As many of you are aware, the program was operating under the financial support of a federal grant which ended during the 2016-2017 school year. During the course of the program and the grant award, the Florida Legislature worked to develop funding and scholarships for students with intellectual disabilities to help support and expand programs like STING RAY. At this time, the University is pursuing this funding through the State Center for Students with Unique Abilities, located at the University of Central Florida. It is anticipated that once funds are successfully secured, STING RAY will reopen on campus, serving students ages 18-26. We are hopeful that this can be accomplished by the start of the 2018 calendar year.
All of the staff and student mentors involved with the STING RAY program have dedicated a great deal of energy, time and enthusiasm to the program. The administration and faculty of USFSP have provided a welcoming and inclusive environment for the program. We thank you all immensely and look forward to your continued support in the future. For those students under the age of 22, who are still eligible for transition services through Pinellas County Schools to seek an alternate placement for the fall semester, 2017.
I wish you all a safe and restful summer!
