The Immokalee Foundation

I have been a mentor for a student that was in the Immokalee Foundation program and now I am Board member. The Immokalee foundation provides excellent programs to Immokalee students which allows them to be successful in school and provide exposure to career pathways. The exposure to potential careers through the career pathway program gives students skills and experience necessary to pursue a future that they would not without the help of the Foundation. In addition, having a mentor to help guide them through their education and potential choices post high school is extremely helpful. The Immokalee Foundation programs are proven to be successful as measured by all key metrics.

Excelencia in Education has officially announced that The Immokalee Foundation's Career Pathways Program has been recognized as one of the 2024 Examples of Excelencia.
Our president and CEO, Noemi Y. Perez, accepted this prestigious award at this year's Examples of Excelencia Celebración de Excelencia in Washington, D.C., on September 30. To receive this national honor for a program just now entering its sixth year is extraordinary.
In addition to the thousands of students who have already benefited from our Career Pathways curriculum, we share this immense honor with our passionate team and our community of supporters and partners who, through their generosity of spirit and belief in our mission, make this program possible year after year.
Career Pathways joins just three other organizations across the country that represent what is possible when higher education institutions and organizations intentionally serve Latino students on their journey to and through college.

The Immokalee Foundation helps over 1200 students prepare for succeeding in all levels of K thru 12 educational opportunities. Two of my favorite strategies highlight how they exceed expectations year after year.

First, in the extra after school training for elementary students, the Foundation pays a small stipend to high school students to assist the young students. In my opinion, this is a two for one investment. The younger students receive training while the older students learn to help others and earn some needed money. Win for young, older as well as the donor.

Second. The well regarded Immokalee Foundation Career Pathways program is allowing students to make long term career choices by gaining exposure and experience in real world business and job settings. This hands on education is coupled with strong advisors and mentors.

I am a donor as well as a person who has worked mostly with the Program Services team. I have never met a more dedicate, mission-driven group of folks. They inspire me!

The Immokalee Foundation is a well-run organization with a team of teachers, mentors, board members, staff, and volunteers. The passion and professionalism of this team helps students to excel in their educational efforts and career-building skills. I am proud to be a Board Member of this organization!

My friend and I donated money so that 2 students could go on a medical career discovery week. We received the most amazing letters of thanks from them, beautifully written and full of enthusiasm for the careers that they may choose.
A lot of people made this program possible including Maria who we liaised with, and it is to them that I take my hat off for their time and energy in coming up with student programs. As donors we both felt this was one of the most worthwhile causes that we have supported.

The Immokalee Foundation is doing some incredible things for the children of Immokalee. Their work is life-changing for these kids!

The Immokalee Foundation has served as a true inspiration and has given me hope for the future. Everyone I have worked with exudes compassion and encouragement. I'm so very thankful for the introduction to, not only the town of Immokalee but the people in it.

I have lived in Naples for more than ten years and had never been out to Immokalee until one of the Foundation's members invited me out. I had the priviledge of meeting several students and instantly fell in love. What 100% changed me was volunteering with The Immokalee Foundation at the Lipman Family Farms Backpack event. The amount of love and hope that these folks pour into their community is humbling. The students go on to champion their dreams, but whats more is that they return to Immokalee to pave the way for the next generation. That is truly amazing. The Foundation's President & CEO, Noemi Y. Perez, is a living and breathing example that you can and WILL make it when you believe in yourself and have the support of the community and foundations like The Immokalee Foundation.

This is a highly focused and dedicated organization that has achieved remarkable success graduating its students at all levels. i have met many of the students from underpriveleged backgrounds and all have succeeded or on a path to succeed.

I have been a board member, a mentor and a donor with The Immokalee Foundation for many years. I have seen first hand the tremendous impact that this organization has had on hundreds of Immokalee students every year. All the kids graduate from high school and almost 100% complete college or other post secondary education. With the support of the wonderful staff and volunteers, they are prepared to be successful in life.
John Costigan

Everyone at the Immokalee Foundation is extremely dedicated, professional and passionate. They truly care for the cause and take care of the children as they were their own. As a mentor I saw the support network they provide. Their dedication goes above and beyond anything I have seen and they all do it with a constant smile on their faces. Kudos!

There are many worthy charitable organizations each with their own cause that requires attention and support. The Immokalee Foundation (TIF) is certainly one of these as it not only changes the lives of the students on which it is focused, but also of the volunteers and mentors who lend their expertise and care. What it is able to accomplish with the limited amount of funds is truly a testament to the leadership and creativity of the organization and its community partners. I am proud to be affiliated and believe TIF will become a model for other education / mentorship based entities.

Had very good experience with the Immokalee foundation as a donor and interacting with students.

I have been a mentor for The Immokalee Foundation for 7 years and being involved with this Foundation has been AMAZING. The individuals working at the Foundation are the most caring, passionate, kindest and professional individuals I have worked with in my lifetime. To date I have had 3 Mentees and the support the Foundation provides the Mentees and you as a Mentor is outstanding. Because of this Foundation, mentoring has become like a drug for me. It is addictive and I can not stop being part of this Program. GREAT PEOPLE! GREAT PROGRAM! GREAT REWARDS!

Hooked up two years ago and have had no problem connecting with my mentee

The Immokalee Foundation has helped many youth overcome their educational challenges by providing them with the means and tools necessary to combat the obstacles we sometimes face, while pursuing educational goals. More so, when we do not have the proper resources or an adequate support system to help us along the way.

"I wish that I had an organization like the Immokalee Foundation to guide and support me through-out my educational career."

The best organization for all scholars, with plenty of resources to continue with their education to succeed in every students endeavors!

The Immokalee Foundation provides college scholarships to deserving students who work hard to maintain good grades and contribute to their community and school. I have mentored 7 high schoolers over the years and have been humbled by their resolve and ambition. This organization has made a successful career path available to hundreds of deserving young people.
Emily Costigan

Everyone who works at the foundation plays an equal role. That role is to ensure a better future for the students as well as for the community.

Working with The Immokalee Foundation has been PURE JOY. Just knowing that I'm helping young men and women advance their education and maximize career potential is amazing.

This organization does a great job ! As a volunteer I am impressed with the value they bring to our community.

I have been a mentor for The Immokalee Foundation for over 11 years now & I can't say enough about how special this organization is. This is an organization that truly makes a difference, enabling young people to escape poverty & build success through education & the careers that education offers. This is made possible through scholarships to post secondary education, whether college or vocational. The organization does far more than offer scholarships - they offer mentoring, and many career pathway programs to help prepare the students for post-secondary opportunities. I have worked with 5 different students now, & I get continuous pride in their accomplishments!

This Charity does a great job of using the money they raise to directly help kids in need.
They do not give handouts, they change lives thru opportunity and hard work.
So blessed to have the time and resources to help make a difference in so many peoples lives.

This is my second year as a mentor (same student). The Foundation staff is very supportive - my emailed questions are answered within one business day. Josica and I worked through the provided materials last year. This year I asked her to identify 15 women in her community or in the wider world - these women made a positive impact in their time. Josica writes a paragraph or two on these women each month. We watched an American Experience PBS DVD last week the title of which is "One Woman One Vote". Thanks to the Foundation for offering me this opportunity to work with a high school student.

I work as a mentor with the Immokalee Foundation and so admire the work they do to inspire our students to achieve their potential. Great leadership. Our mentors drive an hour each way every week to meet with their students which shows their commitment

I have worked with the Immokalee Foundation as a mentor for four years During that time I have seen what a powerful change agent the Foundation is in helping young people achieve acedemic success and progress into college.
The staff, students and management team are a treat to work with.

Through The Immokalee Foundation many dedicated people are substantially committing their talents and resources toward giving the children of this community the opportunity to attain higher learning, or vocational opportunities, through scholarships and tutoring. It continues to be a rewarding experience and privilege to work with the very talented and dedicated Board of Directors and staff who are helping these children see their dreams come true. The Immokalee Foundation is making a HUGE difference in the Immokalee community.

I am a mentor, a donor, and a relatively new board member of this organization. I have been on at least 7 other not- for- profit organizations in my life, and this is the best one.

Why? Because they produce the results they promise and exceed expectations. They have vision for their future, continuing to re-invent themselves, and are not afraid to think BIG. Their mission is admirable with the children of Immokalee and their passion for the mission shows in their staff, in their Boord, and their donors.

As a new volunteer I have been impressed with the right minded attitude and work ethic of the Immokalee Foundation. Their directive and goal is clear. Their plan is straight forward, and their outcomes are consistently measurable. Direct, hard working and not fancy! This is my kind of volunteer foundation.

I feel so fortunate and am humbled to be part of the initiatives driven by the Immokalee Foundation. As a volunteer and mentor, I have experienced the hard work and dedication of the staff members, all in support of the Immokalee youth and community. It is extremely rewarding to know you are part of a greater something that is making a difference in our youths lives. Amazing work being done by the Immokalee Foundation!

The Immokalee Foundation was started to help students in Immokalee improve their abilities for a better education. Over the last 29 years they have done just that. Helped students improve their test scores by having workshops and tutors to help students improve also providing scholarships for colleges

The Immokalee Foundation supports In many ways the underprivileged community of field workers and migrant laborers in Immokalee. It focuses on better education for the students, helping them from early grades through high school. There are many after school programs and study rooms, classes for college testing review and career oriented classes. Another asset in the mentor program where volunteers meet one on one with students to be a friend who can widen their horizons and give advice when needed.

have been involved with the Foundation for about 13 years. Initially as a volunteer, then co-chairing events, as a board member, donor and, along with my wife who has served as a mentor continue to support the Foundation. I have not come across an organization that has made more of a difference in the lives of so many young people. Truly remarkable!!

The Immokalee Foundation has an excellent track record of building pathways to success with 100 percent of their students graduating from high school, 100 percent placed in post-secondary education at colleges, universities and technical programs and 91 percent graduating with a post-secondary certificate or degree.

The Immokalee Foundation is setting the bar for Empowering students to succeed in the new economy. We work with middle school students to explore and experience their career interest with assessments and aptitude measurements. They will declare a career pathway that is in high demand in Southwesr Florida and than for 4 years they will be exposed to summer camps field trips and pathway expos to further their information and real life experiences.
Career pathways meet once a week and on some weekends to learn industry certifications that will enhance their skill levels in their chosen pathway. We partner with FGCU, ITEC and their high school to continue learning the pathway career ladder to help them plan their future post-secondary education in their career interests. Internships will be provided the summer of their junior year in high school and their junior year of college. Students at TIF will enter their post-secondary years of education knowing why they are there and how much education is needed to complete their career goal. I have been a career counselor and counselor for many years and I must admit The Immokalee Foundation allows me the time and resources to make this the best job I have ever had.

This is a highly impactful organization that reaches more needy students year over year. It is continually adding needed programming and has recently implemented an early intervention, career centric program to ensure that Immokalee students are prepared for rewarding careers, instead of lives in the fields. I have been so impressed with its students and their accomplishments.

I am a volunteer for the Immokalee Foundation. I mentor a High School Sophomore. This Organization is well run and very organized . Over the course of time, I offer my time and talents to many groups. This is one of the best! If your not part of this worthy cause, you should.

The Foundation provides essential services to the local community. The service that I am involved in is mentoring a promising student. It’s important work, and one that I find very rewarding. The Foundation provides excellent direction and support for what we do. The staff is well-qualified and always welling to assist in our efforts.

As a parent of a high school student in The Immokalee Foundation, I am pleased with how the program is working to ensure that she is really ready for her first year of college. The support she gets from her student advocate and from the college and career counselor has had such a tremendous impact on the outlook of her career choices and her future.

The Immokalee Foundation is truly committed to the community and is providing important and engaging educational opportunities to the students of Immokalee in terms of their future success and quality of life. Many of these students are not aware of the many possibilities that exist within a variety of careers, and this information is necessary and exciting for their growth and in defining their passion for learning about their educational goals and career aspirations. It is very rewarding to work with the students and assist them in developing a vision for their future endeavors. These students have such extraordinary talent and I am blessed to have found an organization that I can contribute to and possibly help in regard to positive future educational outcomes.

I have been a board member for twelve years and a mentor for five years. The Immokalee Foundation is a superb organization that meets the needs of low income students by providing scholarships, mentoring and career advice, as well as tutoring for the younger students. The staff is completely dedicated to the kids of Immokalee and fulfill the organization's mission with the highest level of professional competence and personal caring.

I've worked with a multitude of nonprofits focused in education management in my past, and The Immokalee Foundation is by far the most organized, goal-oriented organization I've come across. They use their resources strategically to get the most beneficial outcomes for their students. The foundation does an excellent job of cultivating strong relationships with their students, that ultimately aid the student in making life decisions.

I volunteered as a mentor working with an 8th-grade girl last year through the Immokalee Foundation. I will continue this relationship with her this year and throughout high school. Our goal is to make certain that we encourage these young people to reach their full potential, to dream big! I believe that with the help of The Immokalee Foundation, there are folks that never thought they could go to college, now know that they can!

The Immokalee Foundation is an outstanding organization with a very knowledgeable and caring staff. I became a mentor three years ago. My friend and I have four girls whom we met as freshman. We have made special friendships with each of them, and they have become friends with each other. It has been interesting to see them grow as individuals and to watch their progress in school. We hope to guide them to a college experience with a full scholarship. The Immokalee Foundation has provided many resources to make their dreams a reality. It has been a rewarding volunteer experience.

I am a mentor for TIF. It is stunning to see the effects that it has on young lives.

I have been a volunteer for about three years and have found the experience to be incredibly rewarding . The foundation helps disadvantaged children to pursue their dreams . The batting average is very high and I encourage others to join in and make a difference in this world

I am a mentor with TIF and the people envolved with the Foundation are passionate and truly believe in helping students whatever it takes. This is a great organization.

The Immokalee Foundation is a top-notch organization. Their sole purpose is to help the students of Immokalee reach their goal. The staff are amazing and truly care about the children as well as what is going on in their lives. I became a mentor about 4 years ago and the experience has been amazing. The resources that are provided to each child is exceptional, and they are always looking for ways to do more. The Immokalee Foundation far exceeds my expectations.

I have been involved with this organization as a volunteer, mentor & donor for 10 years. What they do in providing pathways to success through post secondary educational opportunities & scholarships is phenomenal!! So proud to be working with this wonderful organization . It is truly heartwarming to be able to help young people go to college & achieve their dreams - dreams that could never be realized without the Immokalee Foundation!

Dee

I learned about this amazing organization several years ago when I was researching educational issues in the area. I was so impressed by the philosophy and goals of the organization and of the students whose stories I read. I recently began serving as a volunteer mentor and am so glad that I did.