KeyBank Foundation Gives Grant to Immokalee Foundation

KeyBank Foundation has committed a charitable grant of $30,000 to support The Immokalee Foundation’s Career Pathways Program, an innovative educational approach that prepares students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers in Business Management and Entrepreneurship, Education and Human Services, Engineering and Construction Management and Healthcare.

For more than 31 years, The Immokalee Foundation has maintained a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee - from kindergarten to postsecondary education.

The Foundation’s award-winning Career Pathways Program serves highly motivated yet financially disadvantaged students, enabling them to earn industry-recognized certifications and credentials or a college degree leading to lifelong careers and financial independence.

KeyBank’s Michael T. Schneider, Florida Market President and Key Private Bank Market Leader, James A. Bitonte, SVP and Senior Portfolio Strategist, and Karen Crane, Sr. Communications Manager, recently visited The Immokalee Foundation to personally experience some of the Foundation’s robust educational programming and meet some of the student beneficiaries of their contribution.

“KeyBank Foundation is committed to partnering with community organizations whose mission is to improve the lives of disadvantaged populations in our neighborhoods through education, workforce development, and community investment,” Schneider said. “The Immokalee Foundation’s mission to prepare the next generation of professionals through education, career readiness, and professional development for deserving students in Immokalee aligns perfectly with KeyBank’s philanthropic focus areas and we are proud to support their work.”

KeyBank Foundation’s grant is made under Key’s National Community Benefits Plan established in 2017, which has already delivered more than $29 billion in lending and investments across Key’s national footprint supporting affordable housing and community development projects, home and small business lending in low- and-moderate income communities, and philanthropic efforts targeted toward education, workforce development, and safe, vital neighborhoods. In 2022, KeyBank Foundation provided $630,000 in grants to nonprofits serving disadvantaged individuals and families in southern Florida.

“The success of any financial organization is predicated on the success of those in the community they serve,” said Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO of The Immokalee Foundation. “Through their generous contribution to our Career Pathways Program, KeyBank Foundation is investing in the future of Southwest Florida—our collective potential as well as our shared success. I extend my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the hardworking students of Immokalee.”