Naples, FL—05-01-24—The Immokalee Foundation recently announced the receipt of a $25,000 grant from PNC Foundation to support its Career Pathways program. This award-winning afterschool curriculum provides Immokalee's best and brightest with exciting new pathways to success and financial independence.

Through the Foundation's robust year-round programming, middle and high school students are prepared for well-paying, in-demand professional careers in four highly specialized pathways: business management & entrepreneurship, education & human services, engineering & construction management, and healthcare.

For over 32 years, The Immokalee Foundation's board and staff have been committed to improving the lives of the youth of Immokalee. Its leadership and staff have strong relationships with Collier County Public Schools and business and community partners to ensure Career Pathways will sustain and grow.

The need for graduates of Career Pathways programs continues to rise. Collier County's workforce sustainability is at risk. With an aging population, there is a critical shortage of qualified workers aged 24-44, with the most significant gaps in jobs requiring postsecondary education.

"The median age in Immokalee is just over 29, with our extraordinary youth representing our region's next generation of leaders," observed Immokalee Foundation President and CEO Noemi Y. Perez. "I want to offer my heartfelt gratitude to PNC for helping us empower our students as they strive to become Southwest Florida's sustainable workforce of the future."

The Immokalee Foundation has received the highest ratings by Candid/GuideStar (Platinum) and Charity Navigator. Plus, for the eleventh consecutive year, The Immokalee Foundation has earned the statewide Gold Level of Excellence Award and Luminary Award from Take Stock in Children, the acclaimed scholarship and mentoring program that serves to increase high school graduation and college enrollment rates. This evaluation includes data compliance, mentoring sessions, advocacy meetings, and volunteer participation. 

"At PNC, we know that we're stronger when our communities are stronger, and that starts by helping our children obtain the skills they need to succeed in life," said Chad Loar, PNC regional president for West and Central Florida. "The Immokalee Foundation is taking important steps to ensure these students are prepared for the future and we're proud to support the work they're doing in our community."

About PNC Foundation

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group (www.pnc.com), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through PNC Grow Up Great®, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. For more information, visit http://www.pncgrowupgreat.com.

About The Immokalee Foundation:

Since 1991, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary education. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or include the Foundation in your will, please call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.