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Immokalee Foundation student Bryan
                                                              receives an exemplary intern   The Immokalee Foundation
                                                                        experience with
                                                                Ave Maria Utility Company
                                                                                              The Immokalee
                                                                                                Foundation's

                                                                                        Internship Program is

                                                                                                 Shaping Our

                                                                                             Economic Future









       by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO,
       The Immokalee Foundation
                                  ith Southwest Florida's ongoing     Bryan has already earned his OSHA 10 certification and took
                                  emphasis on the "work-free"      part in the Career Pathways Learning Lab Home Construction
                        W retirement years, I often wonder         Project, where he gained hands-on experience with various
                        how many stop to consider not only who     construction trades during the summer following his 10th grade
                        is working for us now, but also who will be   year.
                        there to fill vital professional roles in the years   This past summer, Bryan completed a 120 hour internship
                        ahead?                                     with the Ave Maria Utility Company. During this time, he rotated
           For 34 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing   through the operations and maintenance departments, as well as the
        the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education,   office, gaining valuable insight into the company's overall functions.
        career readiness, and workforce development for students in the   The internship was so mutually beneficial that AMUC hired
        nearby Immokalee community.                                Bryan for the balance of the summer. The Immokalee Foundation
           The Immokalee Foundation is the region's only organization   subsequently worked with school officials to enable him to continue
        providing a full continuum of support for students, beginning with   working part-time during the school year.
        literacy intervention in elementary school and continuing through   Though most Immokalee Foundation students elect to take
        career exploration, immersion, and postsecondary education,   advantage of the Foundation's scholarship program by continuing
        ultimately leading to career success.                      their postsecondary education at a 4 year college or university,
           Since opening its doors, the Foundation has helped over 17,000   Bryan has chosen to put his experience and certifications to work
        students become workforce-ready, with residents of Southwest   immediately. He will proudly join AMUC as a full-time employee
        Florida being the primary beneficiaries.                   after graduating from high school in May.
           A significant feature is the Foundation's robust internship   While working for AMUC, Bryan will be required to earn
        program offering students paid, on-the-job training in four in-  several tiers of certifications specific to the area in which he will be
        demand Career Pathways. They include Business Management   employed.
        & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering   I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our region's
        & Construction Management, and Healthcare. Through this    highly supportive business community, which continues to welcome
        powerful program, high school students gain invaluable experience,   and support our students. Together, we are helping ambitious young
        build professional networks, and receive mentorship from industry   people like Bryan reach career success and financial independence
        professionals.                                             while also strengthening the broader Southwest Florida community.
           In fact, 100% of the Foundation's high school students earn an   About The Immokalee Foundation
        industry certification and complete a paid internship to enhance   For over 33 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing
        their resume and marketability.                            the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career
           This past summer, 50 Immokalee Foundation rising high school   readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee—
        seniors participated in life-changing internships across Southwest   from kindergarten through postsecondary education.
        Florida.                                                      To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor,
           Foundation student Bryan spent his internship at Ave Maria   host an intern, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or
        Utility Company (AMUC). He has been part of The Immokalee
                                                                   include the Foundation in your will, please call 239-430-9122 or
        Foundation since the 6th grade, and beginning with his freshman
                                                                   visit immokaleefoundation.org
        year, became a dedicated participant in the Foundation's popular
        Engineering & Construction Management Pathway.

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