Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is pleased to announce the grand opening and ribbon cutting for its new Financial Technology (FinTech) program on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at its Brandon Campus.
This special event will mark the unveiling of the recently remodeled space for the College’s new Institute for Financial Technology. The event will be held in the Brandon Campus Technology Building (BTEC 203), and will start at 2 p.m. with an open house, followed by an official ribbon cutting taking place at 3 p.m.
"The college is committed to preparing students to be successful and competitive upon entering the workforce,” said HCC President Dr. Kenneth Atwater. “The launch of our Financial Technology program is a key milestone in that vision, offering students the chance to enter a dynamic industry with endless possibilities. We're excited to work hand-in-hand with community partners to shape the next generation of FinTech leaders right here in Tampa Bay."
Launched in Spring 2025, HCC’s FinTech program is one of just two offered nationwide at the two-year level. The program blends finance, data and cutting-edge tools like blockchain, AI and digital payments and was developed to meet the demand for skilled professionals in financial technology. With career-focused courses shaped by the input of industry leaders, the program aligns with Florida’s workforce priorities.
The program development was made possible with the generous $350,000 grant from JPMorganChase. In addition, Florida State Senator Danny Burgess and Representative Traci Koster championed the initiative at the state legislature and facilitated an additional $500,000 in funding to construct the space.
“We are proud to be at the forefront of the FinTech revolution, offering a program that will equip students with the skills needed to thrive in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world,” said Dr. Deborah Stephan, Brandon Campus president. “This groundbreaking initiative not only enhances the educational landscape but also strengthens our commitment to providing opportunities that empower both students and employers in the Tampa Bay region.”
JPMorganChase has made several recent, significant investments in Tampa Bay’s economic development. The company is currently undergoing a major renovation of its Highland Oaks campus, which contributes $2.8 billion annually to the region’s economy, stimulating an additional 7,800 jobs across local industries. The company employes more than 6,000 people in the region including several thousand people at its Tampa technology center which is home to one of the firm’s global payments centers, supporting the processing of about $10 trillion in payments a day. The company has made more than $6 million in philanthropic investments in the region in recent years.
“Tampa is home for us. Our employees here play an important role in serving our customers and clients not only in West Florida, but around the world,” said Michael Flores, J.P. Morgan Private Banker and co-chair of the JPMorganChase West Florida Market Leadership Team. “This investment is being made not only in Hillsborough Community College, but in the future economic growth of our region. Increasing the number of people with in-demand FinTech job skills will not only benefit JPMorganChase, but many other employers around the region who need people with these in-demand skills.”
Guests looking to attend are asked to RSVP by Monday, May 26 by completing the following form or emailing Malka Madkholkar at mmadkholkar@hccfl.edu.
Hillsborough Community College serves more than 45,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit hccfl.edu.
Hillsborough Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Hillsborough Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Hillsborough Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Visit hccfl.edu/accreditation for more information.