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The Immokalee Foundation

Microsoft's Ongoing

Influence in Immokalee

Immokalee Foundation students learn AI
for drawing and design as part of
Microsoft’s TechSpark program 1

by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO,
The Immokalee Foundation

rom a business standpoint, the Microsoft "This program is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our
name is about as well-known as you middle school students to be directly exposed to the latest technology
F can get. The multinational technology used in today's workforce," explained Esmeralda Sanchez, Immokalee
company's products are found in millions of Foundation Middle School Program Coordinator and this year's
homes and businesses worldwide. Everyone Microsoft Fellow. "It's a chance for them to gain firsthand knowledge
knows their name. Even better, Microsoft's of the tools and innovations shaping professional careers, giving them
influence has found an enthusiastic home in a head start in understanding the skills and technologies that will be
Immokalee. essential in their future careers."
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The Immokalee Foundation, in conjunction with Florida Gulf TechSpark Immokalee's most recent crop of 6 , 7 , and 8 -
Coast University, has been working with Microsoft to ensure digital grade students were introduced to various topics, highlighted by
skills training for Immokalee students. Collier County Industrial hands-on learning experiences. The program helped students explore
Development Authority has provided matching funds to support the technological developments and their impact on the workplace of the
initiative. future.
Consider this: Immokalee's families suffer intergenerational Students examined how data, information, and processes are used
poverty and very low educational attainment. Immokalee's per capita and how they push industries toward modernization.
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income is $17,927, ranking it 477 out of 485 communities in Florida. The program also took a deep dive into communication and
Young people in the rural migrant community of Immokalee have collaboration, exploring everything from graphical communication—
limited access to resources that prepare them for the continual digital such as paper, through phones, the internet, and VR/AR
transformation across industries. communication—to robots and computers, such as ChatGPT.
For two consecutive years, The Immokalee Foundation, nationally Of equal importance, TechSpark students looked at critical thinking
recognized for its Career Pathways youth education and professional and problem-solving, paying special attention to those areas where the
development initiative, has been generously supported by a Microsoft human mind exceeds a machine's learned capabilities.
grant as a TechSpark Community Engagement Fellow. For this year's closing activity, we upped our game and invited
This affiliation is an ideal match as The Immokalee Foundation several organizations to showcase the technology they use in their
has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% respective fields, leading to our students' ability to interact with
focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for representatives from Arthrex, Physician Regional Healthcare Systems,
students in Immokalee for over 33 years. Allen Concrete and FGCU Engineering.
The Foundation's award-winning Career Pathways program "We at Microsoft are proud to be working with the Immokalee
provides new pathways to success and financial independence Foundation, helping them deliver resources, education and digital skills
through robust programming that prepares students for well- for students and grow economic opportunity," said Mike Egan, General
paying, in-demand professional careers in Business Management & Manager, Microsoft TechSpark. "Together, we're creating a brighter
Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & future for Southwest Florida."
Construction Management and Healthcare. About The Immokalee Foundation
Microsoft's TechSpark program aims to bridge the gap between For over 33 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing
youth education and the digital skills needed for success in the the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career
modern workforce. The program supports nonprofit organizations readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee—from
nationwide working on expanding economic opportunities in their kindergarten through postsecondary education.
communities. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, host
TechSpark Immokalee served 157 Immokalee Foundation middle an intern, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or include the
Foundation in your will, please call 239-430-9122 or
school students last year and 163 this year. Students interested in all
visit immokaleefoundation.org
four Pathways followed a four week program curriculum based on
building digital skills that impact future jobs.
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