Page 53 - Life In Naples March 2022 Flipbook

“T
“Thehe BEST EVENTS are on the are on the WATER!””

Through her internship at the Guadalupe Center, Immokalee Foundation Education & Human
Services Pathway Student, Dream had her passion for teaching ignited.

The Immokalee Foundation
Helps Students Explore Their Career Pathways Through Internships

Career immersion in high school enables students to find and pursue their passions
by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO
hen it comes to choosing a career, internships are an “Dream’s experience is a perfect example of how the internship
W opportunities that our Foundation provides allows our students Beach Shelling, Afternoon & Sunset
invaluable resource to help students gain a deeper
to truly envision themselves in their dream career,” said Thalia
understanding of potential careers, while obtaining
hands-on experiences. At The Immokalee Foundation, high school Vazquez, Education & Human Services Pathway Coordinator.
students in our celebrated Career Pathways Program participate in “Whether that is a law enforcement officer, an elementary school Sightseeing, Sunset Dinners, Hors D’oeuvres
career immersion and exploration through internships at a variety teacher, or an immigration lawyer, they are able to see the daily
of businesses in Southwest Florida. tasks, pressures, and accomplishments that encompass that role. We Private Charters, Specialty Cruises,
Internships provide exposure to the real world, giving our are honored to collaborate with community partners to make our
students the opportunity to grow their knowledge and confirm the students' dreams come true!” Weddings & More also Available!
professional path that best suits their long-term goals. At The Immokalee Foundation, we’ve also found that internships
In middle school, our students start to explore, and in high not only help our students learn about their potential careers,
school, subsequently begin to participate in one of four different but also more about themselves. By pushing them out of their
pathways: Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education comfort zones, these internships lead participants to a stronger
& Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management, understanding of their strengths as well as where they may still have
and Healthcare. Our goal is for each student to complete a relevant room to grow.
internship during their junior year as part of their pathway’s The Internship Program at The Immokalee Foundation is
curriculum. Leading up to their internship, students are exposed to helping transform students’ lives by giving them the tools and
different aspects of their pathway through after school programs, experience necessary to ensure they’re confident in their pathways
guest speakers and field trips. to success. Of equal importance, the organizations who host our
Each student also participates in a five-week Fundamentals student interns often tell me that they have been transformed as
of Workplace Readiness course hosted by Florida Gulf Coast well.
University which focuses on soft skill development, including If you or any businesses you know are interested in partnering
communication skills, time management, teamwork and resolving with The Immokalee Foundation to provide paid internship
workplace conflict. opportunities for students interested in Business Management &
Through the Foundation, Education & Human Services Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering
Pathway student Dream M. completed an internship at the & Construction Management and Healthcare, please visit
Guadalupe Center. During her internship, she worked with the ImmokaleeFoundation.org/volunteer-or-mentor/.
early child education team and learned how early exposure to
education can help break the cycle of poverty. She implemented About The Immokalee Foundation
lesson plans, collaborated with classroom teachers, and interacted For more than 30 years, The Immokalee Foundation has maintained a
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with the children through hands-on activities. 100% focus on education and professional development for students in N NaapplleessPPrriinncceessssCCrruuiisseess..ccoomm  2 23399..664499..22227755  miissssNNaapplleessBBooaatt..ccoomm
Dream's passion for teaching increased dramatically as a result Immokalee—from kindergarten to postsecondary education. Through
of her incredible internship experience, and the opportunity support, mentoring, tutoring, and life skills development,
confirmed her desire to become a teacher and educate the next The Immokalee Foundation provides pathways to success for those who Also available at:
generation of students. may not otherwise have had the opportunity to succeed. deck & tritoon Paddleboards Fishing Charters
For additional information, call 239-430-9122 or
visit immokaleefoundation.org. Boat rentals Kayaks & gift shop!
52 Life in Naples | March 2022 Life in Naples | March 2022 53