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The Immokalee Foundation's
Learning Lab Home Construction Project 4.

The Immokalee Foundation's
Home Construction Project Comes Full Circle

by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO
ife may seem like a linear journey. However, engineering needs of a growing Southwest Florida. It is also a haven
if there is anything that life teaches, a for Immokalee's hardworking, dedicated middle class. Its residents
Lstraight line is hardly a good measure of our work for Healthcare Network, Coalition of Immokalee Workers,
existence. Seminole Tribe, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children,
After all, much of nature is built in circular and yes, The Immokalee Foundation— companies based out of
shapes and moves in circular patterns. From our Immokalee, with local and national impact.
planet, to the sun and moon, and all the way down to the structure Everyone who has known the joy of purchasing their first
of our cells and atoms, circular shapes and patterns are everywhere. home will undoubtedly understand the excitement of this
The Immokalee Foundation is no exception. These full-circle accomplishment. And everyone in our community can help keep
moments build upon what makes it so special. this dream alive. You can underwrite the cost of an entire home—or
When we launched our Career Pathways Learning Lab Home even a percentage of a home.
Construction Project in 2020, our students gained an exceptional Perhaps you prefer to cover the costs for a specific aspect of a
educational opportunity. Still, we couldn't anticipate this project's home. Everything from kitchen appliances, ceiling fans, sliding
impact on two of our own. glass doors, and HVAC systems can be sponsored by big-hearted
Carlos, a BCB Homes employee, is the Superintendent of The members of the public. For example, Verizon recently paid for the
Immokalee Foundation's Learning Lab, an 18-home subdivision in kitchen cabinetry for one new home.
Immokalee that serves as hands-on professional career experience For Immokalee Foundation alum, staffer and Learning Lab
for Foundation students. neighborhood homeowner Amy, every work day represents a
In this role, he provides hands-on training for our Engineering full-circle moment. "It's amazing to go home and see our students
& Construction Management and Business Management & working on homes in my community. Not only do these students
Entrepreneurship Pathway students, helping these motivated get hands-on experience, but it will set them apart from their peers
young people with the tools required to succeed in the construction when applying for colleges and scholarships."
industry. Initially, Amy was happy just living in a beautifully constructed
At age 16, Carlos joined The Immokalee Foundation with the home. "Now, I really get it. I am proud of the work—the heart—
support of his farmworker father and mother. After graduating that it took to make it all happen. Everyone who has had a hand in
from Immokalee High School in 2008, he secured a summer the Learning Lab should be proud of themselves. They have made
internship with BCB Homes, eventually leading to his full-time history in Immokalee."
position and current role overseeing The Learning Lab. About The Immokalee Foundation
Just look at what Carlos and our students are creating. For more than 32 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been
Eight of the 18 planned houses in the neighborhood have been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on
completed, and seven are already home to exceptional families, education, career readiness, and professional development for students in
each contributing to the local economy as they make Immokalee Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary education.
an even better place to live and work. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, call 239-430-9122 or
The growing neighborhood serves as an educational experience visit immokaleefoundation.org
for students getting ready to meet the construction and
50 Life in Naples | April 2024