DECEMBER 2024
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 9
Preparing the Next Generation of Business Leaders Since 1991, The Immokalee Foundation has maintained a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary. The Foundation provides new pathways to success and financial independence through robust programming that prepares students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers. Families in the primarily agricultural community of Immokalee suffer intergenerational poverty and low educational attainment. Immokalee’s per capita income is $17,927, ranking it 477th out of 485 communities in Florida. Today The Immokalee Foundation is a direct service provider for over 1,300 deserving students who are achieving success they never dreamed possible thanks to the support of donors, mentors, volunteers and community partners.
In 2019, The Immokalee Foundation pioneered and developed the award-winning Career Pathways Program to acknowledge that education is for everyone and that career planning should occur early in school. We found that nationally, over a third of college graduates are in jobs for which they are overqualified, earning a salary that is not commensurate with their education. To solve this problem, we took a data-driven approach to identify good-paying job categories that are in high demand and lead to professional careers in Southwest Florida. They are Healthcare, Engineering & Construction Management, Business Management & Entrepreneurship, and Education & Human Services. We ultimately created an innovative career model that prepares students for professional jobs while catering to the evolving needs of a growing Southwest Florida community. Beginning in 6th grade, students participate in an extensive educational process exploring a broad range of careers focused
on our four Career Pathways. In high school, students immerse themselves in their chosen career pathway through programs that include postsecondary and college prep, mentorship, career expos and field trips, financial literacy, ACT prep, summer educational camps, networking events, and highly specialized career programming specific to each Pathway. For postsecondary students, we offer ongoing support through scholarships, mentoring, and counseling, ensuring assistance until they secure their first job. This model not only benefits the students but also the community. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved and the results are remarkable!
Career Exploration
100%
6th-8th Grade
of middle school 8th-grade students completed a career action plan outlining their career pathway for high school and beyond.
Career Immersion 9th-12th Grade
100% graduate high school and pursue an in-demand postsecondary professional career. 100% earn an industry certification and complete a paid internship in their field of study.
Career Success Ages 18+
87% of alumni work in their field of study. 93% with a postsecondary certification or 100%graduate received scholarship support. degree with most earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. immokaleefoundation.org • 239.430.9122