The Immokalee Foundation has selected 61 students to join its Career Pathways program for the 2020-21 school year.
Career Pathways provides a robust curriculum for Immokalee middle and high school students to place them on pathways to well-paying, in-demand careers in Southwest Florida in four employment sectors: Engineering & Construction Management, Education & Human Services, Health Care, and Business Management & Entrepreneurship.
Each year, The Immokalee Foundation opens enrollment to motivated Immokalee students interested in becoming part of the Career Pathways program. This year’s process shifted seamlessly to online platforms, with recruitment efforts and interviews conducted virtually.
From the 106 applications submitted, 76 students were interviewed by The Immokalee Foundation board members, as well as two community leaders. The student selection committee ultimately chose 61 students in sixth through ninth grades to fill the limited number of spots available in each grade.
To be considered, students must be enrolled in Collier County Public Schools in Immokalee and have high attendance, good behavior in and out of school, and a 2.5 GPA or higher. Students must also exhibit a positive attitude, be drug-free and crime-free, and commit to meeting all program requirements.
“Becoming a part of The Immokalee Foundation is an opportunity that doesn’t get presented often,” said Bella Flores, a ninth-grader at Immokalee High School. “When I was told there were openings for the Career Pathways program, I had to give it a shot. The Foundation will help me thrive socially and academically. This is an opportunity that anyone would be crazy to pass up!”
“We are excited to welcome these new students into The Immokalee Foundation family,” said Amber Barr, program services director for The Immokalee Foundation. “This is just the beginning of a journey that will transform the rest of their lives.”
Middle school students in the Career Pathways program learn about career possibilities through six-week rotations focused on the program’s four sectors. Once students decide their career path, the program team helps them plan their high school years to ensure they obtain the needed education, training and internships needed to obtain industry-specific certificates, credentials and jobs.
The Immokalee Foundation provides 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.
