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.
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 6th-8th Grade
100% of middle school 8th-grade students completed a career action plan outlining their career pathway for high school and beyond.
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
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.
87% of alumni work in their field of study.
93% graduate with a postsecondary certification or degree with most earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. Career Success Ages 18+
100% received scholarship support.
Join Us in Building Southwest Florida’s Future Workforce
While many high school students take a break from the daily routine of schoolwork during the summer, many Immokalee Foundation scholars use these months to develop professional skills and gain on-the-job experience by working a paid internship aligned with their future career path.
The Immokalee Foundation’s Internship Program is a handson opportunity for students whose sights are set on a postsecondary education leading to high-demand jobs in Southwest Florida. In fact, 100% of the high school students we support complete an internship in their field of study before graduation.
Interns gain real-world experience. Businesses gain a fresh perspective, additional staffing, and the knowledge that they positively contribute to our future workforce.
CAREER PANELS AND FIELD TRIPS
Student field trips and career panels provide invaluable opportunities for growth, inspiration and connection. The exchange of ideas during these dynamic presentations and networking sessions is unparalleled. Our students are eager and engaged participants, always ready to absorb your wisdom, knowledge, and insight into your career or company.
By dedicating your time, you play a crucial role in empowering our students in the Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management, and Healthcare Pathways.
You have the potential to inspire the next generation of professionals, and who knows—one day, a student you impact may become a part of your own team!
CEO LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
One of our newest yet most respected annual events places the spotlight directly on our region’s business leaders. At our CEO Leadership Summit, the leaders of today inspire the leaders of tomorrow.
Local Executives and CEOs share their stories and career paths with graduating seniors from The Immokalee Foundation to show them, through hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
As the CEO Leadership Summit is open to the public, it has grown into one of the most compelling professional development events in Southwest Florida.
WHAT’S YOUR PITCH? — A SHOWCASE OF STUDENT INNOVATORS
The Immokalee Foundation supports students well beyond high school graduation, including scholarships for advanced certifications and college degrees. Thanks to our dedicated education partners and the commitment and generosity of our supporters, our Scholarship Program turns educational dreams into professional realities.
One hundred percent of the students completing our program receive an appropriate postsecondary scholarship for their career of choice.
For example, through the Foundation’s partnership with Take Stock in Children (TSIC), low-income, academically qualified students receive a Florida Prepaid Tuition scholarship with guaranteed tuition coverage.
With the financial support of organizations and business leaders, our students achieve remarkable success, with 93% earning an advanced postsecondary certification or degree.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Helping Immokalee’s students along the Pathway to Success takes more than innovative programs and life-changing activities; it takes a business community that understands the importance of our mission and supporting the workforce needs of a growing Southwest Florida.
As an Immokalee Foundation Sponsor, you can align your brand with ours—one of the most respected in the local nonprofit community.
Our signature events and fundraisers get your message in front of some of the most influential people in Southwest Florida, all while helping a group of deserving young people achieve a level of success they never dreamed possible.
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competition that challenges students to pitch their
Inspired by TV’s wildly popular “Shark Tank,” “What’s Your Pitch? — A Showcase of Student Innovators” is an annual competition that challenges students to pitch their business start-up ideas to a panel of local business leaders and entrepreneurs.
The event concludes our four-week Business Management & Entrepreneurship Pathway educational summer camp at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Students spend 80 hours working to identify a problem or opportunity, create an innovative solution, and develop a sustainable business model for their concept.
The Immokalee Foundation’s focus on providing educational opportunities, career readiness, and life skills to the youth in Immokalee is truly inspiring. It’s one thing to contribute to a cause, but it’s entirely different to see firsthand the impact those resources have on real lives. Meeting these bright, determined young individuals, hearing their stories, and seeing their gratitude reinforces our commitment to continue supporting initiatives that create positive change.”
RYAN CARTER PRESIDENT OF SCOTLYNN
Become a Mentor Today
“As a five-year Immokalee Foundation mentor, most satisfying has been experiencing, first-hand, the change from shy, cautious, inexperienced individuals into remarkably confident, expressive, outgoing and communicative young adults ready to take on the world!”
Albert Dzermejko
Ave Maria, FL
Since 1991, The Immokalee Foundation has empowered over 16,000 of Immokalee’s best and brightest young people to change the course of their lives by equipping them with the education and resources that lead to success and financial independence.
In support of these deserving young people, over 100 volunteer mentors meet with their high school mentees at least twice a month for 30 minutes or more—virtually and/or in person. As a mentor, your time, attention and vast experience become a powerful tool, guiding your mentee to expand their worldview as they continue their academic journey.
Best of all, mentees and mentors grow together, fostering deep, meaningful relationships that can last a lifetime.
