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The Immokalee Foundation

IT'S ABOUT

A CAREER—

NOT A JOB

Immokalee Foundation Board Chair and student mentor
Jerry Belle meets with Foundation students at the
by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO, summer educational camps hosted at FGCU.
The Immokalee Foundation
he Immokalee Foundation has Specifically, the Foundation provides guidance, programs,
continually adapted to its students' summer camps, and internships to participating students in their
T needs while making an impact in chosen career fields. Support also includes a focus on soft skills
Southwest Florida. The Foundation has development to better prepare students for real-world experiences.
enriched the lives of motivated students from Much of this is achieved through 100+ volunteer mentors, who
Immokalee for 34 years—over 18,000 students meet regularly with their respective mentees. From personal
since its inception and 1,300+ this year alone. experience, I can assure you that mentoring provides a true sense of
The objective from the beginning has been to support students added purpose to both mentor and mentee.
after school and during the summer through programs to ensure The result? The Immokalee Foundation is creating the well-
they successfully navigate the many demands on their time. trained workforce of the future.
It is a focus on comprehensive and individualized support that Even today, Immokalee Foundation alumni design and build the
differentiates The Immokalee Foundation from other organizations homes you live in, and operate many of the businesses you patronize
with similar goals. The Foundation is Southwest Florida's first regularly. They teach your children, fulfill vital roles in the nation's
and only organization offering a full continuum of support— military, and work on your healthcare teams. It's comforting to
from middle school through postsecondary education and into a know they will be there for us when we need them the most.
professional career—with impressive measurable outcomes that If you are a current or prospective donor, rest assured that your
transform lives. investment is appreciated and directed entirely to the support of
Our emphasis on scholarships is part of our legacy as an Foundation students. Plus, by joining our mentor team, you can
awarded affiliate of the state of Florida's Take Stock in Children assume a vital role in supporting our region's economic future.
program. The goal of many students and their parents has been to Regardless of the charitable pathway you choose, please join us
ensure that the student has the financial means to provide it. But in in supporting these deserving students in their pursuit of successful,
the current environment, it is becoming clear that not all students impactful careers. Southwest Florida's economic future depends on
need to graduate from a four-year university to be successful. all of us doing our part.
There is growing support demonstrating that postsecondary
focus should be on a successful career, not just a diploma. That may .About The Immokalee Foundation
even mean that certification in a field of study from a technical The Immokalee Foundation provides new pathways to success and
school provides a better opportunity for some students to secure financial independence through robust programming that prepares
a well-paying job than the investment in a four-year college students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers.
education. This philosophy is reinforced by local businesses, which For over 33 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing
are struggling to find well-prepared young professionals. the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career
The Immokalee Foundation is positioned to benefit the
readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee—
workforce needs of all of Southwest Florida through our
from kindergarten through postsecondary education.
award-winning Career Pathways program. Each year, over 370
To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor,
Foundation students are guided from middle school through
host an intern, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or
high school to select an in-demand career pathway that aligns
include the Foundation in your will, please call 239-430-9122 or
with their interests. Pathways include Business Management &
visit immokaleefoundation.org
Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering &
Construction Management, and Healthcare.
54 www.LifeInNaples.net