As we enter a new year, I am always drawn to the idea of beginnings. Beginnings are powerful, carrying hope, possibility, and the promise of what lies ahead.
At The Immokalee Foundation, our work begins with early literacy intervention, one of the most essential building blocks of a child’s life and one of the strongest predictors of future success. The ability to read opens doors to confidence and learning, laying the foundation for everything that follows.
Our Immokalee Readers after-school program marks the first step in our continuum of educational and career-building support, serving students in kindergarten through fifth grade with critical literacy and language development. This is where their potential takes root and prepares them for the journey ahead, from career exploration and immersive learning experiences to postsecondary education and, ultimately, long-term success and financial independence.
For many of our students, English is not the primary language spoken at home, and their parents may not be able to support their homework, reading, and writing. Immokalee Readers helps bridge that gap, ensuring students receive the support they need during these formative years.
This year, 740 students are benefiting from the program across all five elementary schools in Immokalee, including one charter school. They are supported by 61 certified classroom teachers and 53 program tutors who are also Foundation career pathways students, gaining valuable, real-world work experience.
Without early literacy intervention, our students risk joining the 54% of the U.S. population that lacks literacy proficiency, limiting their ability to reach their full potential and career dreams.
Our outcomes demonstrate what is possible when students receive the proper support at the right time. Last year, 97% of Immokalee Readers students demonstrated measurable improvement in their literacy skills. Their literacy success doesn’t stop there. I am proud to share that 94% of our students are reading on grade level by 10th grade as measured on their Achieve3000 Lexile scores.
These numbers highlight the longitudinal impact along our career-building continuum, but they only tell part of the story. Much of it also lies in the immense pride a parent feels as they watch their child read, often for the very first time. It’s a moment that carries the belief that their child’s future, and their family’s future, can be different.
To date, 142 students who began their journey with Immokalee Readers have continued through our middle and high school programs. In the years ahead, I look forward to sharing their inspiring journeys and many more as they grow with us, from their first steps in Immokalee Readers to lasting career success.
This literacy success would not be possible without all of our dedicated supporters, donors, volunteers, and staff. I would also like to thank our valued partners in education, Collier County Public Schools and Naples Children Foundation, whose collaboration helps make these beginnings – and ultimate stories of success – a reality.
Noemi Y. Perez
President and CEO
The Immokalee Foundation
