Giving the Gift of Education
Teachers are the foundation of every child’s success story. At Guadalupe Center, our educators are more than just teachers–they are mentors, nurturers, and life changers. For over 25 years, Ms. Sandy, one of our early childhood educators, has exemplified this dedication. Growing up in Immokalee, Sandy overcame the challenges of a migrant lifestyle, finding her passion in early childhood education. She chose to give back to the community she loves, impacting generations of students–even her own grandchildren, three of who attended our nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program.
In mid-November, Guadalupe Center—one of 41 organizations in Southwest Florida—received an extraordinary $3 million unrestricted gift from entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader Tom Golisano, the founder of Paychex. This transformative gift, to be distributed over five years, will directly uplift our Early Childhood Educators and expand our Tutor Corps program. Guadalupe Center’s Board of Trustees approved designating this gift to invest in the educators whose dedication shapes the futures of Immokalee’s youngest learners and to expand opportunities for middle and high school students.
This funding provides critical support to Early Childhood Educators, like Ms. Sandy, starting in January 2025. In Collier County, where the cost of living continues to rise, these adjustments are more than financial support. They are a statement of gratitude, recognition, and respect for the educators who shape our community’s future.
Studies affirm that higher wages for educators lead to stronger retention, better classroom outcomes, and lasting community benefits. By investing in our teachers, we are investing in Immokalee’s children, families, and future. This gift ensures that our classrooms remain places of joy, learning, and inspiration—where seeds of potential grow into flourishing dreams.
Mr. Golisano’s gift will also allow us to strategically expand our Tutor Corps Program. A new Tutor Corps Coordinator will help expand the program’s reach, offering academic support, socioemotional development, and paid work-study opportunities to more middle, high school, and college students. This program is critical, as it prepares students for life beyond the classroom, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to succeed.
To date, over 250 Guadalupe Center alumni have graduated from college, pursuing careers as doctors, teachers, and leaders. A survey reveals they are 55% more likely to earn a degree and 25% more likely to earn $70,000+ annually, highlighting the lifechanging impact of education and community support. Results like this remind us why these programs are essential—and why gifts like Mr. Golisano’s are so impactful.
For over four decades, Guadalupe Center has empowered more than 2,000 students annually. Dedicated educators have made our mission to create pathways to prosperity through education possible. Ongoing support from generous donors ensures that we can continue and expand our mission to impact future generations.
Together, we can honor the dedication of all early childhood educators, invest in our children, and build a brighter future for our community.
About the Author
Dawn Montecalvo is President and CEO of Guadalupe Center.
To learn more, please visit
GuadalupeCenter.org or call 239-657-7711.
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