IMMOKALEE — The Immokalee Foundation was awarded a $10,000 grant from College Board to support the Foundation’s comprehensive SAT/ACT preparation program.

“Higher test scores help our students get into the college of their dreams and qualify for scholarships to help pay for their education — a life-changing opportunity for them,” said Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO of The Immokalee Foundation. “We are so grateful for this grant from the College Board, which will help enhance our programming and support our students.”

In order to be eligible for the grant, an organization’s college preparation courses must meet the College Board’s strict requirements, including administering SAT/ACT practice tests; providing personalized college success strategies; educating students on organization and study skills; providing training on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); teaching career readiness, interview skills and resume building; and providing access to internships and mentors.

The College Board grant program also focuses on assisting organizations that serve students typically underrepresented in postsecondary education including English language learners, students with disabilities, first generation students, and female students.

The ACT/SAT preparation course is a cornerstone of the Foundation’s Career Pathways program. The grant will help support the cost of one-on-one tutoring sessions and supplies such as test preparation books and online courses.

Career Pathways offers a broad curriculum for Immokalee middle and high school students to place them on pathways to in-demand careers in Southwest Florida in four employment areas: Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management, Healthcare, and Business Management & Entrepreneurship.

The college readiness program within The Immokalee Foundation is seeing marked success in arming their students with the tools they need to take college admission tests. During the 2021-22 school year, Foundation students were able to increase their scores on the SAT/ACT by an average of 11.5% after completing the comprehensive classes.

“The SAT and ACT prep classes at The Immokalee Foundation not only helped increase my skills like time management, but also allowed me to practice in an environment that mimicked the ‘big test’ feeling,’” said Foundation student Kelly G.

Student Stanley B. added: “The prep classes boosted my confidence and increased my scores because there was someone there to encourage me when things felt difficult. The classes taught strategies on how to approach different questions. That helped me understand the material better.”

For more than 30 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee -- from kindergarten to postsecondary education. The Immokalee Foundation offers new pathways to success and financial independence through robust programming that prepares students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers.

For more information on The Immokalee Foundation’s transformational work, visit: immokaleefoundation.org.

About The Immokalee Foundation
For more than 30 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee--from kindergarten to postsecondary education. The Immokalee Foundation offers new pathways to success and financial independence through robust programming that prepares students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers in Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management and Healthcare. For additional information call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.

About College Board
College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT®, the Advanced Placement® Program, and BigFuture®. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools. For further information, visit collegeboard.org.