Page 54 - April 2017 Life In Naplles Magazine

YOUNG STUDENTS IMAGINE THE FUTURE IN
THE IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION’S

JUNIOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

by Steven Kissinger
A lex Martinez is 13 years old. Although he wants to

have his own business someday, he has plenty of
time to decide firmly on a career. And he’s already
getting a great head start on that decision as a student in
The Immokalee Foundation’s Junior Career Development
program.
Along with other middle school students in the program,
Martinez stays after school a couple of times a week for
additional education in reading, writing, math and leadership.
These students also attend career panels with local
professionals, who explain what their jobs and similar
fields are like. Alex and his classmates have learned what
veterinarians and their associates do, heard what careers in
social work are all about, and know what it’s like to be a
member of the United States military. Career panels also have
featured speakers in technology, law and media.
Students in the Junior Career Development program
get exposure to life outside of Immokalee even earlier than
ALEX MARTINEZ
high school students in the original Career Development
program. Some career sessions involve outings to meet the teacher in charge of the leadership program, they reached
professionals where they work. Past programs have taken the out for the equipment they needed and led a campaign to
students to Artis—Naples and Gulfshore Playhouse to get motivate students and teachers to separate their throwaways
a behind-the-scenes view of each theater’s productions and and practice recycling.
learn about the types of jobs available in performing arts. Alex still has fun being a regular kid. “I like to read
Younger students traveled to the Naples Zoo to experience books and play football with my friends,” he said. But
what life is like for the staff (and the animals, too). Speakers he also has thoughts about the future and the greater
have come to the foundation offices to talk about careers possibilities he now can imagine.
that can be pursued at Immokalee Technical College. A local The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of
doctor has spoken to students about medical and health care education programs that focus on building pathways to
professions. success through college and post-secondary preparation
In order to participate in the foundation’s Career and support, mentoring and tutoring, opportunities for
Development program, students must have and maintain a broadening experiences, and life skills development leading
2.5 GPA. They learn foundational skills – to communicate to economic independence. To learn more about The
effectively, commit to the job, learn new tasks, develop Immokalee Foundation, including volunteering, becoming
leadership skills and maintain a positive work ethic. Students a mentor, making a donation or any other information, call
in all of The Immokalee Foundation’s programs are required 239.430.9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.
to perform community service.
As part of the leadership aspect of the Junior Career Steven Kissinger, executive director of The Immokalee
Development program, Alex and his friends led a recycling Foundation, can be reached at steven.kissinger@
program at Immokalee Middle School. Along with the immokaleefoundation.org.

54 Life in Naples | April 2017