NAPLES, Fla. (June 1, 2021) – Steve Becker, a retired Immokalee High School teacher and IT Academy director, is participating in The College of Florida’s Swim Around Key West on Saturday, June 12, to raise funds to support scholarships for The Immokalee Foundation’s students.
Steve Becker is raising scholarship funds for The Immokalee Foundation’s students as part of the Swim Around Key West on June 12.
This year marks the seventh time Becker is participating in the 12.5-mile open water swim, and the first time Becker will compete as part of a two-man relay with his best friend from college, Ross Mlsna.
Becker’s goal is to raise $5,000 in student scholarships, which will be matched by the Florida Take Stock in Children program to benefit the foundation’s students. The Immokalee Foundation’s partnership with Take Stock in Children focuses on at-risk, low-income, academically qualified students by providing one-on-one support through volunteer mentors, college success services like SAT/ACT prep courses, and the opportunity to earn a college scholarship.
The Immokalee Foundation has earned Take Stock in Children’s Gold Level of Excellence for eight consecutive years for its success in student recruitment, mentor pairing, advocacy and planning, student growth, and improved GPAs.
Becker has been an advocate for The Immokalee Foundation’s programs for more than 10 years as an instructor, mentor and fundraiser. As a mentor, he enjoys the opportunity to empower students and help them find their own personal pathways to success.
“My role is to motivate my students to reach their potential and help them navigate the challenges of education and life,” he said.
Becker praised The Immokalee Foundation and especially the nonprofit’s staff and board members. “It’s inspiring to work with a team of supporters with their level of commitment and involvement,” he said. “I miss teaching, but through The Immokalee Foundation, I still have a connection with the students.”
The Swim Around Key West event takes from four to eight hours to complete, depending on weather conditions. To train, Becker swims two miles in a pool on weekdays, and four to six miles in the Gulf on weekends.
To support Becker’s swim, visit https://immokaleefoundation.org/donate/, choose Scholarships as the program designation, and add “Swim Around Key West” in the comment field. Donations directly support student scholarships.
For more than 30 years, The Immokalee Foundation has provided a range of education programs that focus on building pathways to professional careers through support, mentoring and tutoring, and life skills development leading to economic independence. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, becoming a mentor, its signature events, volunteering as a career panel speaker or host, making a donation, including the foundation in your estate plans, or for additional information, call 239-430-9122 or visit https://immokaleefoundation.org.
