Learn in-demand skills, get certified, start or finish a degree. Education is key to your success. Education Opportunities & Resources at Real Recovery Take Control of Your Success Alcohol and substances have sidetracked many of us in recovery, either we never had an opportunity to continue our education at a university or dropped out after a few semesters. The fortunate among us may have completed our associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate’s – the disease of addiction doesn’t discriminate or pick and choose base on socioeconomic factors such as whether we were rich, poor, came from a good home or a broken one, or if we have a GED or a Ph.D.What matters today is how effectively we use our time in sobriety to build a brighter future for ourselves and our families. Some of the smartest, most talented, innovative, and successful people on this planet battle substance abuse issues. Now that you’re sober, it’s up to YOU to decide what your future looks like. Yes – money cannot buy you happiness but you sure as hell can be happy and comfortable if you’re willing to work on yourself in all the right areas – recovery, mind, body, and spirit. Anyone that says otherwise is selling you a nonsensical mentality of “scarcity.” Your potential is only limited by yourself.At Real Recovery, we recognize that pursuing higher levels of education and learning new skills can create endless opportunities, that’s why we strongly encourage residents to take advantage of local and state programs to continue their education. It’s never too late to learn a new skill or get a degree.Pursuing a degree and obtaining relevant certifications is one of the best ways to improve your economic mobility (ability to increase your income/social status), quality of life, become self-sufficient, learn new skills, and prepare yourself for today’s evolving job market needs. Attending a University, College or Trade School at Low Cost or No Cost Did you know that as a resident at Real Recovery you can receive an exemption that covers the cost of tuition and access fees to attend local colleges, trade schools, and state universities in Florida, including the University of South Florida for little to no cost? It’s true!According to Florida’s 2020 Statutes (§ 31009.25, Fla. Stat.; 2020) “students are exempt from the payment of tuition and fees, including lab fees, at a school district that provides workforce education programs, Florida College System institution, or state university” if:(f) A student who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence or whose primary nighttime residence is a public or private shelter designed to provide temporary residence, a public or private transitional living program, or a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. This includes a student who would otherwise meet the requirements of this paragraph, as determined by a college or university, but for his or her residence in college or university dormitory housing. Schools that Offer Tuition Waivers for Sober Living Residents University of South Florida The University of South Florida is a public research university in Tampa, Florida that was founded in 1956. It is part of the State University System of Florida. Located in the heart of Tampa Bay, USF is one of the nation’s fastest-rising universities, with over 50,000 students across 14 locations. The University of South Florida’s ranked #103 in 2021’s edition of Best Colleges is National Universities.Visit USF’s Homeless Tuition Waiver page to check eligibility requirements and learn more about this program.How to check eligibility and qualify:Contact USF’s Student Outreach and Support department at 813-974-6130 or via email at socat@usf.edu.Provide documentation from a homeless shelter or transitional housing liaison.Complete the “Homeless Fee Exemption Request Form”.Documentation is due to the “Homeless Committee” before the end of the first week (drop/add) each semester of enrollment. Paperwork can be submitted to SOS (SVC 2058) or by email to homelesswaiver@usf.edu.Note: This exemption only covers tuition and access fees. If you qualify, you will be required to pay other costs such as repeat course surcharges, excess credit hour fees, textbooks, living expenses, etc. USF Tuition Waiver Page St. Petersburg College Founded in 1927, St. Petersburg College offers more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, including many high-demand, high-skill industry-recognized workforce certifications, and more than 20 bachelor’s degrees. St. Petersburg College (SPC) alumni rank first in Florida for earning the highest entry wages.Visit SPC’s Homeless Fee Exemption page to check eligibility requirements and learn more about this program. You will need to carefully review and follow the steps outlined on SPC’s Homeless Fee Exemption page. What does the exemption cover?This exemption only covers tuition and access fees. It does not cover lab fees, books, supplies, living costs, etc.If you need assistance, contact: Sandy Albright at 727-302-6516 or albright.sandra@spcollege.edu. SPC Tuition Waiver Page Hillsborough Community College Founded in 1968 as a part of the 28-member Florida College System, Hillsborough Community College is located in Tampa, Florida dedicated to preparing local students for today’s increasingly demanding job market by creating an engaging learning environment.HCC educates more than 47,000 students each year, across more than 190 academic options. With more than 2,200 dedicated faculty and staff members, HCC is by no means a small college. Many students attend HCC to study popular majors like Liberal Arts and Humanities, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic), and Nursing.Admissions Contact Information for Hillsborough Community CollegeUnlike SPC or USF, Hillsborough Community College doesn’t have much information online regarding the homeless tuition waiver program. They do participate in the program; however, you’ll need to reach out to admissions to get more information.Feel free to speak with one of their helpful staff members by phone at 1-813-253-7000 or via email addmissions@hccfl.edu for assistance.HoursMonday and Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (in-person and virtual) 4:30 p.m .- 7 p.m. (virtual only) Wednesday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (in-person and virtual)Download HCC’s Status for Exemption Form. HCC Admissions Page Pasco-Hernando State College Pasco-Hernando State College combines high-tech educational facilities and state-of-the-art programs with a focus on teaching for student success. PHSC has 70+ career program options and offers Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, College Credit Certificate, Career Certificate, and Applied Technology Diploma.AccreditationPasco-Hernando State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.Admissions Contact Information for Pasco-Hernando State CollegeUnlike SPC, HCC, or USF; PHSC doesn’t have much information online regarding the homeless tuition waiver program. They do participate in the program; however, you’ll need to reach out to admissions to get more information.Feel free to speak with one of their helpful staff members by phone at 1-727-847-2727 or via email admissions@phsc.edu/ for assistance.HoursMonday and Thursday: 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (in-person and virtual)Fridays– Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (in-person and virtual)Download PHSC’s Status for Exemption Form. PHSC Admissions Page If you’re interested in continuing your education, our dedicated staff will help you make that a reality. This is one area we cover during intake where we discuss your goals – recovery, personal, professional, and education-wise. Great Free Online Courses Virtually everyone with a smartphone or a laptop and an internet connection can teach themselves new high-paying skills that are in great demand across today’s digital workforce. edX - Free Online Courses by Harvard, MIT & More. (highly recommend) Harvard University - Free Online Courses 730+ Free Online Programming & Computer Science Courses Most In-Demand Tech and Non-Tech Jobs Don’t Require A Degree 41 Classes You Can Take Right Now to Advance Your Career CodeAcademy (learn web development basics and how to code for free) In-Demand Careers You Can Learn Online for Free A decade ago, most people were forced to spend 4 years or more in a University classroom and pay anywhere from $40,000 – $100,000 to learn the skills required to land most high-paying jobs. Fortunately, thanks to the Internet times have changed.Today, you can learn the lucrative digital skills for today’s fasting growing careers at your own pace, without spending thousands of dollars or hours every day in a classroom. That’s because many of these job skills can be learned online for free or at least without costing you an arm and a leg.If you’re looking for work, are not happy with your current career prospects, or simply want to make more money to provide a better life for you and your family, we encourage you to do some research and check out the resources below. You may be surprised to find that starting a new career or getting a better job isn’t as difficult as you think with the right skills in our technology-focused economy. Salesforce - Become a Certified Admin in 6+ Weeks Do you know how to use a computer, or are willing to learn? One of the highest paying and in-demand jobs in the United States centers around Salesforce. Salesforce is the world’s leading customer relationship management (CRM) solution. According to a recent study by the International Data Corporation (IDC), there has been a huge increase in jobs that require Salesforce skills, and the Salesforce ecosystem is predicted to add 3.3 million new jobs and over $850 billion in revenues worldwide by 2022.Why does any of this matter? Simple – in as little as six weeks virtually anyone with a healthy amount of motivation and a laptop can learn a new career that pays well. One of our residents went from zero experience with Salesforce to a $48,000/year salary (~$23/hr) position, full benefits included, in a matter of six months. Here are some stats to consider:$95,000 – the average Salesforce Administrator salary in the US (US data)37% year over year job growth rate (US data)4,670 new Salesforce jobs created in the last 12 months (US data)The time to prepare for a Salesforce certification depends on the experience of the individual. If you are completely new to Salesforce, you can expect to spend a minimum of 10 hours per week if you want to become a Salesforce Certified Administrator in as little as 6 weeks. Learn Salesforce Community Assistance & Resources Employment Opportunities Finding a new job can feel like an overwhelming and daunting task. We've got your back, click here. Job Opportunity Resources Finding a new job can feel like an overwhelming and daunting task. We've got your back, click here. Health & Wellness Recovery is about so much more than just staying clean. We recognize the importance of a healthy body, that's why every resident can receive a free gym membership. Body + Mind + Spirit = Recovery Many of our residents meal prep on the weekends so they have delicious, healthy, and quick meals they can reheat during the week, for as little as $1.00 per meal. View our favorite recipes. Education Opportunities Most residents are eligible to attend St. Petersburg College or the University of South Florida at low cost or tuition free. Learn New Skills, Make More Money Learn how to quickly expand your skills, study for a new career, and leverage technology to make more money. Everyday Essentials Not everyone arrives at sobriety's doorstep looking like a million bucks. We've curated internal and external community services to help residents get back on their feet quickly. Community Services & Resources Whether you need a hand-up or are on a tight budget, we're here to help you find the everyday essentials you need. Whether it's a ride to a meeting, interview appropriate clothes, or extra snacks. See What Our Residents Have to Say About Real RecoveryWe believe that everyone that wants to get sober should have the opportunity to do so in a safe, clean, and respectable environmen. Check out our testimonials Finally a sober living that is about helping people on the road to recovery, that adheres to a set of strict standards to ensure the comfort and safety of the clients over an extra dollar being made. These guys practice integrity in an industry riddled with greed. They take sobriety very seriously and operate with professionalism.Ethan Svia Google - St. Petersburg PropertyI have struggled for many years with a debilitating case of untreated alcoholism , until I made the life changing decision to come to Real Recovery St.Pete. With the support of staff, and residents alike, I am still sober sober 13 months later. I can not say enough good things about this place! Thank you Real Recovery!Kyle Kvia Google - St. Petersburg PropertyI have been to other Sober Living houses and Real Recovery is the best. They drug test to keep people honest. They make sure clients are responsible and clean their house. The House Managers are awesome. If you are serious about recovery this is a great place to live. Several meetings on site.Dan Bvia Google - Clearwater PropertyReal Recovery is the best choice in all regards. Their facilities are amazing, the amount of work and money the owner puts into his properties is unmatched. The programs they have are also the best. House managers are also super involved, go to the same meetings and know what is going on with the clients. Jonathan Avia Google - North Tampa PropertyI recently moved into Real Recovery and I have been very impressed! I came from a sober living situation in St. Pete but moved back home to Bradenton. If you are looking for a clean, sober living environment - this is it! Mark is a very open and relatable person to talk to. The men here are open, eager to help, and make you feel welcome.Rob Bvia Google - Bradenton-Sarasota PropertyI been in Real Recovery of Tampa for a month now and it was by far the best decision I ever made after completing 30 days of inpatient rehab at Turning Point. RR is teaching me how important it is to make friends in recovery and to get out of my comfort zone. Thank you to for welcoming and helping me on this journey in recovery.Bob B Jrvia Google - Tampa Property Would You Like To Live a More Successful Life? Many of us were bruised, battered, and broken when we arrived at sobriety’s doorstep; today, we’ve regained our dignity, family, friends, careers, and our passion in life. Real Recovery has helped hundreds of men build a strong foundation in recovery; if you’re struggling, now is the time to ask for help. Take 2-minutes and complete our admissions form, it may save your life. Struggle, Jails, Death, or Success. Pick One. We can Help! Get Sober. We Can Help!