How the Immokalee Foundation Makes Learning Efficient and Productive – coastalbreezenews.com

A tour of almost completed houses allowed us to observe the progress high school students have achieved under the supervision of construction experts.

In my last article, I shared the amazing commitment and dedication that The Immokalee Foundation has devoted to the education and success of Immokalee students, from early learners to high school students with support for postsecondary education.

To briefly review, from 1991 the Immokalee Foundation has made a commitment to assist low-income, at-risk, academically qualified students by providing early learning to postsecondary educational opportunities. In partnership with Take Stock in Children, the lives of more than 12,000 students have improved through their efforts. Their commitment and involvement with 1,400 students per year at various school levels speaks volumes for their dedication to changing the lives of Immokalees youth.

With the support of donors, mentors, volunteers and the community, The Immokalee Foundation provides students with the resources, training and confidence to follow pathways to success to meaningful careers and financial independence, according to one of the Immokalee Foundation brochures. To witness the program elements is truly inspiring.

How do they accomplish these goals? Parents are involved early in the process so they can learn about the professional opportunities that their children can experience. This is especially important to the continuity and understanding of the families so they can support their children every step of the way.

Starting in middle school, students can take surveys to identify and refine their interests and focus on a career. They have the opportunity to change their minds after what they discover.

Here are some more opportunities for students that I didnt include in Part One:

The HEST Program (Heavy Equipment Service Technician) is a specialized curriculum consisting of nine courses totaling 1,800 hours over two years. This program is supported by some of the heavy equipment industries biggest names, which provide shop training, classroom instruction and software instruction as part of the program. The graduates of the rigorous HEST training are prepared to join the HEST workforce without having to participate in a formal dealer apprentice program. And this is really fortuitous; because of their training and experience, the HEST program graduates also receive seniority within the companies they join. What a bonus for their hard work and they have the ability to progress in their field.

The Collier County Sheriffs Office partners with The Immokalee Foundation on a Public Safety Career Program to train students as 911 dispatchers. The impetus for this partnership came from the sheriffs office which wanted to develop public interest in dispatching as a career, while increasing opportunities for partnerships in the Immokalee community.

The extensive training involves learning how to operate the communication equipment; location mapping skills and the procedures and policies for taking, screening and dispatching calls. Understanding the legality of privacy laws is important as is the Florida public records law, how to testify in court cases involving 911 calls and stress management. The extent of the course is the need to complete 232 hours of training which is a prerequisite to taking the exam for state certification as a public safety telecommunicator in Florida. This makes me wishful of support like this when I was in K through12 schooling. Frankly, I didnt even know these were possibilities, and maybe they werent back in the Stone Age!

I dont know about you, but its comforting to me to understand the extent of the training that goes into these certifications, and the competency that our students can achieve by participating. The truly inspiring aspect of these trainings is that students, thanks to the Immokalee Foundation and Take Stock in Children, are given the opportunity to learn about possibilities, identify their interests and have the mentoring and support they need to be successful in their chosen field.

These opportunities for employment are not dead ends! There is support for the students when engaging in middle school/high school training to continue their education to the college level if they want to pursue more expertise.

The Middle School Career Exploration enables students to explore a broad range of careers. The six-week rotation focuses on each of the four career pathways including career panels, group mentoring, field trips and a four-week summer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Academy, workshops, career interest and aptitude assessments.

High school curriculum is robust and each student will graduate with an industry recognized certification. Mentoring is key. Students also receive foundational skills training in professional effectiveness in financial literacy, CRP certification and intense career programming tailored for each of the four career pathways and more.

As students postsecondary endeavors continue, theres an emphasis on the goal of career success. Financial independence is achieved via financial planning. Advocates also assist with scholarships and work with Foundation partners to provide guidance to connect Foundation partners with students; possibilities include internships, job opportunities and professional introductions that help make career dreams become real.

This is one of the most positive and effective endeavors that Ive witnessed since entering the Collier County School District as a teacher. The Immokalee Foundation and Take Stock in Children, along with countless volunteers, have demonstrated the ability to reach those students who need support to make their dreams a reality. My sincere appreciation and respect to all involved with this endeavor.

Jory Westberry is an active educator and advocate for quality education. She presently serves on the Marco Island Historical Society Museum Board and the Collier County School Board and is running for re-election in 2022.

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How the Immokalee Foundation Makes Learning Efficient and Productive - coastalbreezenews.com