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The Immokalee Foundation

Immokalee Foundation

Alumni Enter

the Workforce with

a Competitive Edge

Education & Human Services Pathway
student Lucero is taking full advantage of a
by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO, variety of Immokalee Foundation
The Immokalee Foundation Career Building services.
or generations, earning a college degree Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the nation’s largest youth
was seen as the surest path to a stable mentoring network, released a research study spanning 30 years
F career. But today, even college graduates stating that “mentored youth experienced a 15% increase in earnings
are facing an uncertain job market, with between ages 20 and 25, and by age 65 earned $56,000 more
unemployment among new grads reaching its than their non-mentored peers. Additionally, the findings suggest
highest point in decades. that the mentoring program may help mitigate persistently low
For Immokalee Foundation students, the rates of intergenerational socioeconomic mobility, revealing that
story looks different. By the time these dedicated young men and the intervention can reduce up to two-thirds of the long-term
women graduate, they aren’t just hoping for opportunity; they’re socioeconomic disadvantage associated with poverty in childhood.”
prepared to seize it. By the time Immokalee Foundation students graduate high
The Immokalee Foundation is the region’s first and only school, 100% have earned an industry certification and completed
organization providing a full continuum of support beginning with a paid internship, gaining invaluable real-world experience
literacy intervention in elementary school and continuing through working alongside employers, mentors, and industry experts. These
career exploration, immersion, and postsecondary education, opportunities strengthen their resumes while helping them build
leading to long-term career success. Immokalee Foundation meaningful connections with local businesses.
students enter the workforce with a competitive edge. Before starting their internship, each student earns a
Our award-winning Career Pathways Program is the Fundamentals of Workforce Readiness Certification from FGCU,
underlying principle that drives our full array of after-school which provides them with basic principles to help them excel in the
programs and services, empowering students for career success. workplace from day one.
We adopted a research-based, data-driven approach to identify Other soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and
well-paying job categories in high demand that lead to professional problem-solving, are “must-haves” in a world reshaped by
careers in Southwest Florida. Pathways include Business technology and AI—all are part of the Foundation’s ongoing
Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, curriculum.
Engineering & Construction Management, and Healthcare. When meeting an Immokalee Foundation student, you are
By creating a career model that prepares students for careers greeted with a firm handshake, confident eye contact, and a genuine
within these in-demand fields, we increase their chances of being smile. These small gestures reflect a larger foundation of character
hired while helping meet the region’s growing workforce demands. and a deep appreciation for a community that supported their
The Immokalee Foundation’s Career Exploration phase begins dreams and their inevitable Career Success.
in middle school, providing students a head start on their future .About The Immokalee Foundation
through robust programming, including career panels, field trips, The Immokalee Foundation provides new pathways to success and
STEM camp, workshops, and other hands-on activities. financial independence through robust programming that prepares
By the time the students we support complete eighth grade, students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers.
they have completed a thorough Career Action Plan that lays the For over 33 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing
groundwork for their Career Immersion journey in high school. the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career
High school students are paired with volunteer mentors who
readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee—
provide support twice per month, often building relationships that
from kindergarten through postsecondary education.
extend beyond graduation and into their careers.
To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor,
These extraordinary mentor relationships not only help foster
host an intern, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or
greater self-confidence, well-being, and academic achievement but
include the Foundation in your will, please call 239-430-9122 or
they also contribute to long-term career success.
54 visit immokaleefoundation.org www.LifeInNaples.net