Vocational Success
In 2006, The Immokalee Foundation — working in partnership with Collier County Public Schools, Collier Building Industry Association, and Florida Home Builders Association — brought the Future Builders of America (FBA) program to Immokalee. FBA students participate in vocational and on-the-job training, as well as summer internships with area businesses. Our programs emphasize leadership, skills development, and community service, preparing students for post-secondary training and vocational success.
To apply to TIF's Vocational Success program, just download this form, complete it, and it return to 1390 North 15th Street, Suite 200, Immokalee, FL 34142.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What sort of skills do students learn through Vocational Success? The technical term is soft skills — that is, safety, communication, first aid, working with a boss, and learning the value of quality workmanship. In addition, these students develop practical skills for a specific vocation.
- What is the community service aspect of Vocational Success? All TIF programs require that students have “skin in the game” by performing community service. This is all part of TIF’s empowerment model for student growth. Community service opportunities range from building homes with Habitat for Humanity to helping elderly neighbors build disability ramps that lead to their front doors. These students are genuinely enthusiastic about giving back and engaging with their community as a participant, not a recipient.
- How are donations to Vocational Success used? Financial support is used to fund the Vocational Success job coaches and provide productive activities for the students, such as leadership training programs.
- How can I get involved? Our Vocational Success volunteers serve a range of functions. While some serve on advisory boards to help students develop business plans, others arrange a visit to talk with students about their vocational options. If you’d like to get involved, please contact us at info@immokaleefoundation.org or (239) 430-9122.
Quick Facts
- Vocational Success programs host a total of 45 members.
- Seven Future Builders of America students recently won the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for logging more than 100 community service hours each.
- Vocational Success students have held internship positions at local businesses, including Tri-City Electric, Made in Rio, D. Garrett Construction, Salazar Machine & Steel, Kraft Construction, Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board, and Immokalee Technical Center.
