The Immokalee Foundation Receives Grant from PNC Foundation

The Immokalee Foundation has received a $25,000 grant from the PNC Foundation to support its nationally recognized Career Pathways program, an innovative initiative preparing local students for in-demand, high-wage careers while strengthening Southwest Florida’s future workforce.

The Immokalee Foundation provides a full continuum of support for students, beginning with literacy intervention in elementary school and continuing through career exploration, career immersion, and postsecondary education—ultimately leading to long-term career success. As a result, Immokalee Foundation students enter the workforce with a competitive edge—an advantage highly sought by employers throughout Southwest Florida.

At the core of this continuum is The Immokalee Foundation’s award-winning Career Pathways program, which drives its comprehensive portfolio of after-school programs and services. Through this model, middle and high school students gain the skills, knowledge, and real-world exposure needed to succeed in four high-growth sectors: business management & entrepreneurship, education & human services, engineering & construction management, and healthcare.

For more than 34 years, The Immokalee Foundation has remained dedicated to transforming the lives of Immokalee’s youth through education, mentorship, and career development. Strong partnerships with Collier County Public Schools, local businesses, and community leaders ensure the continued growth and sustainability of the Career Pathways program.

“At PNC, we believe the path to a strong workforce starts early and grows with meaningful opportunities that help students achieve their full potential,” said Chad Loar, PNC regional president for West and Central Florida. “The Immokalee Foundation’s Career Pathways program builds on that early foundation by connecting students to real-world experiences and clear career options, ensuring they graduate prepared, confident, and ready to contribute to the long-term economic strength of this community.”

As workforce challenges intensify across the region, the need for qualified, career-ready graduates continues to grow. Collier County faces a critical shortage of workers aged 24 to 44—particularly in professions that require postsecondary education—making programs like Career Pathways essential to long-term economic vitality.

“The Immokalee Foundation’s Career Pathways program directly aligns with the PNC Foundation’s commitment to advancing educational programs and economic development,” said Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO of The Immokalee Foundation. “Together, we are creating a strong pipeline of talent—equipping our students with the skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to succeed, while strengthening the future workforce of Southwest Florida.”

The Immokalee Foundation continues to earn national recognition for excellence and impact. It holds the highest rating (Platinum) from Candid/GuideStar and top ratings from Charity Navigator. Additionally, for 12 consecutive years, the Foundation has received the Gold Level of Excellence Award and Luminary Award from Take Stock in Children, a statewide program dedicated to increasing high school graduation and college enrollment rates.