NAPLES, Fla. (April 13, 2021) – The Immokalee Foundation is accepting applications from middle school students for its Career Pathways program that offers career exploration, technical, college and university exposure, homework assistance, and scholarship opportunities.
Students entering sixth and seventh grades at Immokalee Middle School are invited to apply online at ImmokaleeFoundation.org. Printed applications are available at Immokalee Middle School, elementary schools in Immokalee, and at The Immokalee Foundation’s office at 908 Roberts Ave. W. in Immokalee.
The deadline to apply is Friday, July 9. Students must have good attendance, constructive behavior in and out of school, a positive attitude, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and remain drug- and crime-free. They must also be enrolled in Collier County Public Schools and complete all program requirements.
After completing the application, selected students will be contacted for an interview. Middle school students chosen to participate in The Immokalee Foundation’s Career Pathways program will be notified in mid-August.
The in-person middle school program is held after school from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Immokalee Middle School from September through April. Students explore a broad range of careers in four pathways: Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management, and Healthcare. The program includes career panels, field trips, workshops, and career interest and aptitude assessments. Rising seventh and eighth grade students also participate in a four-week summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Academy in partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University.
The Immokalee Foundation’s middle school students prepare to enter high school with the help of foundation counselors who assist them in developing a career plan to guide their studies.
Foundation middle school student Guenia P.
“This program helps you work hard by preparing you for your future,” said student Guenia P. “I am happy to be here!”
Foundation middle school student Dalila S.
Student Dalila S. agrees, adding, “This program is full of great opportunities and is helping me prepare for my future career in business management.”
Throughout each school year, students’ parents learn about the professional pathways available – including information about the demand for certain jobs, the training required, and the average pay – to help forge the partnership between the family and the Foundation that will help their children excel.
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.
