Page 50 - LIN February-2023_web-version

Immokalee Foundation scholarship
recipient and University of Florida
student Thianica Previlus

The Immokalee Foundation
Provides Scholarships to Southwest Florida’s Leaders of Tomorrow

Immokalee Foundation scholarships shatter preconceived notions and turn dreams into reality.
by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO “I am the first member of my family to graduate from high school

I recently read that between 1990 and 2020, the and college,” says Foundation alumna Leslie Gallegos. “And because
total number of college students in the United States of my scholarship—and the incredible support of The Immokalee
increased from 13.8 million to nearly 20 million. Foundation—I am working in my dream job in education. I’m
However, the demand for higher education supporting students in my hometown, and I am grateful to share that
coupled with the competitive admissions process my college expenses are paid in full.”
also means that students will pay higher tuition The Immokalee Foundation is also an affiliate of Take Stock in
and fees. Since 1980, college tuition and fees are up Children (TSIC) which provides qualifying Foundation students
1,200%, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all items has with a Florida Prepaid tuition scholarship upon high school
risen by only 236%. graduation and successful program completion.
For Immokalee Foundation’s postsecondary students, the rising Immokalee Foundation student Joel Guerrero was named a TSIC
cost of education, tuition, books, living expenses, and transportation Leaders 4 Life Fellow this past year. The Leaders 4 Life Fellowship
are more acute—more painful—than in most Florida communities. comes with a $40,000 scholarship that pays for college expenses not
For more than 30 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been covered by any other award or financial aid, including leadership
preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus training and development, housing, food, textbooks, supplies,
on education, career readiness, and professional development for transportation, and other college-related expenses.
students in Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary A Florida Gulf Coast University freshman, Joel plans to become
education. a dentist. “Ever since I was a child, I knew that’s what I wanted to
Though most Foundation students attend college, some do. I plan on getting my degree and coming back to Immokalee to
participate in the Heavy Equipment Service Technician program at serve my hometown and the community that has given and taught
Immokalee Technical College. This highly specialized curriculum me so much.”
prepares students to service heavy-duty, high-performance vehicles Immokalee Foundation scholarships shatter preconceived notions
designed for executing earthwork operations and other large and turn dreams into reality.
construction tasks essential in Southwest Florida. “I think people had a perception of how my story would turn
Other students participate in the Collier County Sheriff’s Office out simply because I lived in Immokalee,” said scholarship recipient
Public Safety Career Academy, an innovative curriculum addressing and University of Florida student Thianica Previlus. “The truth is my
the critical shortage of Southwest Florida 911 call takers and story has just started and will continue to flourish with the help of
dispatchers. The Immokalee Foundation...”
Volunteer mentors and Immokalee Foundation staff continue …and you.
to provide support until all postsecondary students complete their About The Immokalee Foundation
education, secure their first job, and take their place as a vital part of The Foundation provides new pathways to success and financial
our economy and workforce. independence through robust programming that prepares students for
The Immokalee Foundation’s ability to provide scholarships to well-paying, in-demand professional careers in Business Management
these ambitious young people would not be possible without your & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering &
generosity—your respect for the importance of education and your Construction Management and Healthcare. To learn more about The
dreams for the future of our community. Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, signature events, volunteer as
Today, the benefactors of your generosity number in the a career panel speaker or host, donate, or include the Foundation in your
thousands. estate plans, please call 239.430.9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.

50 Life in Naples | February 2023