Board approves Prodigy Cultural Arts partnership and CTE activities calendar; members encourage expansion

The Hillsborough County School Board unanimously approved two education partnership items on Feb. 11: a memorandum of agreement with the University Area Community Development Corporation to deliver the Prodigy Cultural Arts program at four elementary schools, and the district’s career and technical education (CTE) activities calendar listing events and CTSO activities through Dec. 31, 2025.

Superintendent Ayers and district staff described Prodigy as a 23-year cultural-arts program serving youth ages 5–17; the MOA covers coordination of themes and lessons that integrate life skills during students’ host hours and will operate at Farrell, Franklin, Mueller and Egypt Lake elementary schools. Member Rendon, who pulled the item for comment, said she hopes to see the program expand to additional schools such as Crestwood and Robinson.

On the CTE activities calendar (agenda item COTE2), board members praised the breadth of offerings—leadership trainings, CTSO events, JROTC activities and regional competitions—and emphasized the value of these programs in preparing students for technical careers. Staff noted the activities calendar covers events between Feb. 12 and Dec. 31, 2025. The calendar passed on a unanimous vote; the MOA vote was also unanimous.

Why it matters: The Prodigy MOA and the CTE calendar formalize partnerships and activities that provide arts, leadership and career pathways to students across the district; board members highlighted the potential to expand services into additional neighborhoods and the importance of bilingual and inclusive programming.

What’s next: Schools named in the MOA will implement the Prodigy program; staff will continue to coordinate with workforce and CTE partners and report on program participation and expansion.