Students engaged in hands-on construction activities at the learning lab in Immokalee.
A new program in Immokalee, Florida, equips students with practical construction skills through a hands-on learning lab. Developed by The Immokalee Foundation, iTech, BCB Homes, and Collier Enterprises, this initiative allows students to participate in real-world projects, transforming vacant land into homes. By fostering community involvement and providing valuable career experience, the program aims to change perceptions of Immokalee and bolster local development. The hands-on approach has already proven effective, with 100% of participating students graduating high school with industry certification.
An exciting new program has launched in Immokalee, Florida, aimed at equipping students with practical construction skills through a hands-on learning lab. This initiative is a collaborative effort between The Immokalee Foundation, iTech, BCB Homes, and Collier Enterprises. Students will benefit from transforming empty land into homes, contributing directly to the growth and development of the Southwest Florida community.
As part of the program, students like David, a recent high school graduate who has been involved since he was 12, are preparing to pursue construction management at Florida Gulf Coast University. Participants attribute their career direction to the insights and experiences offered by the program. Another participant, Nereida, discovered the program through her siblings’ involvement and values the experiential learning component as pivotal to her education.
The program allows students to participate in real-world construction projects, giving them the opportunity to work actively on building homes. This practical application ensures that students don’t just learn from textbooks but gain essential skills that are directly applicable in the construction field. Many students have noted how the program fosters a sense of community, pride, and a deeper understanding of contributing to local development.
Noemi Perez, the President and CEO of The Immokalee Foundation, highlighted the lab’s significant role in providing hands-on experience as part of its engineering and construction management pathway. The foundation has been active for over 33 years in preparing youth for post-high school careers through various avenues, including healthcare, business, management, and education. The addition of engineering and construction underscores the foundation’s commitment to offering diverse pathways for youth in the area.
Greg Brisson, President of BCB Homes, emphasized the program as an essential investment, not only for the participating students but also for the regional construction industry. By equipping students with skills and knowledge, the program contributes to changing the perception of Immokalee as a community that can build and develop, rather than one that is solely associated with poverty.
The Immokalee Foundation has made significant strides in transforming local education and career prospects. Since the foundation began its initiatives in 2019, it has provided resources and opportunities that were previously unavailable in the community. Notably, 100% of students in the foundation’s programs graduate high school with an industry certification, demonstrating the effectiveness of the educational approach.
Furthermore, 87% of graduates find employment in their chosen fields of study, showcasing the positive impact of the program on local youth and the community. This impressive success is attracting attention, with organizations nationwide expressing interest in replicating the Immokalee Foundation’s model.
The foundation’s Career Pathways Program does not stop at construction and engineering; it includes comprehensive tracks in healthcare, business and management, education, and human services. In the healthcare track, students learn about various roles, including x-ray and surgical tech, broadening their understanding of career opportunities in the medical field.
As part of the program, students experience summer instruction at Florida Gulf Coast University, which is complemented by field trips to local businesses and internships aligned with their career paths. This multifaceted approach ensures that students gain a well-rounded education and are better prepared for their future careers.
The Immokalee Foundation’s innovative initiatives have received national recognition, particularly from Excelencia in Education, acknowledging their substantial impact on Latino student success. As students continue to develop their skills and knowledge, the future looks promising not just for them as individuals, but for the community as a whole. The transformative power of this program exemplifies how targeted educational efforts can lead to real-world successes and a brighter future for all involved.
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