Guadalupe Center receives $25,000 grant to enhance after-school, summer programs

Guadalupe Center has received a generous $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Collier County to enhance educational programs that focus on out-of-school time, including after-school, summer and college-preparatory programs.

Guadalupe Center’s After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program provides early intervention for elementary students who score below grade-level on standardized tests. Each year, nearly 800 students in kindergarten, first and second grades attend the After-school Tutoring Program, while 300 students participate in the Summer Enrichment Program. Both components focus on reading and math instruction.

The nonprofit’s Tutor Corps Program is a college-preparatory program that offers guidance in college and career readiness, ACT and SAT test prep, mentorships, financial literacy and scholarship assistance. The program serves 117 high school and 149 college students.

“These programs provide extra attention and support that allows students to reach the academic milestones required for success in school, college and beyond,” said Guadalupe Center President Dawn Montecalvo. “That is why support from the Community Foundation of Collier County and other organizations is so important. Every child has big dreams and ambitions, but they need opportunities, guidance and support to help fulfill their dreams.”

Testing data show that 100% of students in the After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program made significant learning gains in reading and math after completing the program. An astounding 94% of students in the Tutor Corps Program ultimately earn a college degree.

The Community Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. The foundation’s donors help identify and support the community’s most current needs.

The Community Foundation of Collier County, now in its 36th year, is a tax-exempt, public, charitable organization established in 1985 to increase and focus on local private philanthropy. Today, the Community Foundation of Collier County manages more than 850 funds, collaborates with hundreds of nonprofits, holds over $276.6 million in assets and has distributed over $229.5 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community programs.

About Guadalupe Center

Guadalupe Center is a purpose-driven, nonprofit organization with proven results in creating endless possibilities for the students of Immokalee through education and fostering personal and academic success that leads to economic independence. With a focus on breaking the cycle of poverty through education, Guadalupe Center is proud of the children’s accomplishments: 95% meet or exceed kindergarten readiness measures, 100% of Tutor Corps high school seniors graduate high school and are accepted into college, and more than 94% graduate with a post-secondary degree.