Foundation’s Internship Program is Shaping Our Economic Future

by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO

With Southwest Florida’s ongoing emphasis on the “work-free” retirement years, I often wonder how many stop to consider not only who is working for us now, but also who will be there to fill vital professional roles in the yearsvahead?

For 34 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and workforce development for students in the nearby Immokalee community.

The Immokalee Foundation is the region’s only organization providing a full continuum of support for students, beginning with literacy intervention in elementary school and continuing through career exploration, immersion, and postsecondary education, ultimately leading to career success.

Since opening its doors, the Foundation has helped over 17,000 students become workforce-ready, with residents of Southwest Florida being the primary beneficiaries.

A significant feature is the Foundation’s robust internship program offering students paid, on-the-job training in four in demand Career Pathways. They include Business Management& Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering& Construction Management, and Healthcare.

Immokalee Foundation student Bryan receives an exemplary intern experience with Ave Maria Utility Company

Through this powerful program, high school students gain invaluable experience, build professional networks, and receive mentorship from industry professionals. In fact, 100% of the Foundation’s high school students earn an industry certification and complete a paid internship to enhance their resume and marketability.

This past summer, 50 Immokalee Foundation rising high school seniors participated in life-changing internships across Southwest Florida. Foundation student Bryan spent his internship at Ave Maria Utility Company (AMUC). He has been part of The Immokalee Foundation since the 6th grade, and beginning with his freshman year, became a dedicated participant in the Foundation’s popular Engineering & Construction Management Pathway.

Bryan has already earned his OSHA 10 certification and took part in the Career Pathways Learning Lab Home Construction Project, where he gained hands-on experience with variousconstruction trades during the summer following his 10th grade year.

This past summer, Bryan completed a 120-hour internship with the Ave Maria Utility Company. During this time, he rotated through the operations and maintenance departments, as well as the office, gaining valuable insight into the company’s overall functions.

The internship was so mutually beneficial that AMUC hired Bryan for the balance of the summer. The Immokalee Foundation subsequently worked with school officials to enable him to continue working part-time during the school year.

Though most Immokalee Foundation students elect to take advantage of the Foundation’s scholarship program by continuing their postsecondary education at a 4-year college or university, Bryan has chosen to put his experience and certifications to work immediately. He will proudly join AMUC as a full-time employee after graduating from high school in May.

While working for AMUC, Bryan will be required to earn several tiers of certifications specific to the area in which he will be employed.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our region’s highly supportive business community, which continues to welcome and support our students. Together, we are helping ambitious young people like Bryan reach career success and financial independence while also strengthening the broader Southwest Florida community.

About The Immokalee Foundation

For over 33 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparingthe next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary education.

To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, host an intern, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or include the Foundation in your will, please call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org