NAPLES, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2021) – While most students take a break from the daily routine of schoolwork during the summer break, many Immokalee Foundation students used their time to develop professional skills and gain on-the-job experience by working a full-time, paid internship within their future career path.
Education & Human Services Pathway student Alondra M. partnered with Legal Aid Service of Collier County for a summer internship to gain on-the-job experience.
Foundation student Alondra M. interned for Legal Aid Service of Collier County. She shadowed the legal team, learned how to research case information and handled various administrative duties. Alondra M. gained invaluable insights from working in a professional setting.
“It was exciting to learn about the industry and see what goes into being a legal aid,” said Alondra M. “Every day is different, and I always had something to do and learn.”
The Immokalee Foundation’s internship program introduces students in their junior or senior year to career pathways that lead to employment in high-demand jobs in Southwest Florida. The four pathways are Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management and Healthcare.
The foundation’s goal for the internship program is to provide students with real-world experience and learn from employers about careers that will lead them to financial independence.
Alondra M., who is in the foundation’s Education & Human Services Pathway, has always dreamed of becoming an immigration lawyer. Through her life-changing summer internship, she is certain that she is on the right path.
“This internship just inspired me to keep going and follow my dreams,” said Alondra M. “I want to be able to make an impact on this world and give back to my community. I’m thankful that I was able to work with Legal Aid this summer.”
Education & Human Services Pathway student Alondra M. partnered with Legal Aid Service of Collier County for a summer internship to gain on-the-job experience.
The Immokalee Foundation is actively seeking local business partners to get involved and support our students’ career development. In addition to internships, the foundation asks partner companies to provide speakers for career panels and consider foundation students for career days, job shadowing and employment. Another way for companies or individuals to get involved is to sponsor one of the foundation’s students for an internship at a company or organization that otherwise could not provide a paid opportunity.
“We encourage local businesses and entrepreneurs to consider supporting students through our internship program,” said Amber Barr, program services director at The Immokalee Foundation. “The influence of a hands-on work experience is invaluable to our students. Just look at Alondra M. – she is a great example of the powerful impact our Career Pathways program has on students.”
Businesses with internships and other career development opportunities are encouraged to contact The Immokalee Foundation at 239-430-9122 or email amber.barr@immokaleefoundation.org.
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 estate plans, or additional information, call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.
