The Immokalee Foundation has received a $25,000 grant from the PNC Foundation in support of its nationally recognized Career Pathways program.

“Building the foundation for a strong community begins by preparing our children to succeed,” said Chad Loar, PNC regional president for West and Central Florida. “We’re proud to support The Immokalee Foundation as they provide students with essential life skills and take meaningful steps to help them achieve a brighter, more prosperous future.”

Since 1991, The Immokalee Foundation has prepared 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.

The Immokalee Foundation's robust, multi-award-winning Career Pathways program prepares students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers in four specific pathways: business management & entrepreneurship, education & human services, engineering & construction management and healthcare.

The program benefits low-income young people while providing significant community development strategically targeted to promote growth in Immokalee, one of Florida's poorest communities. Active engagement is required of both students and their families. Ninety percent of parents were involved this year and attended at least two events.

"Our programs all take place after school or during the summer. We are so proud of our 100% high school graduation and post-secondary enrollment rate. Plus, 87% of our post-secondary graduates work in their field of study," said Immokalee Foundation president and CEO Noemi Y. Perez. "This wouldn't be possible without companies like PNC- big-hearted organizations that understand our students represent SW Florida's economic future as professionals and as consumers."

About the 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, multiyear initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. For more information, visit PNC Foundation.

About The Immokalee Foundation

For over 33 years, The Immokalee Foundation has provided new pathways to success and financial independence through robust programming that prepares students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, host an intern, 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.