In Immokalee, Florida, the Guadalupe Center Tutor Corps program has been promoting higher education and helping students prepare, apply, and afford college for 40 years. Jazmin Lara-Vasquez, who joined the program before starting high school, has tutored younger students in various subjects and earned scholarship funds for her college education. She credits the program with helping her grow as a person and preparing her for life after high school. Over 94% of Guadalupe Center program participants have obtained college degrees, a significant achievement in a community where only 6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree and almost 24% live in poverty.
The Guadalupe Center has served approximately 1,950 children and youth each year in Immokalee since 1984, offering programs ranging from early childhood education to after-school tutoring and summer programs for high school students. Currently, 160 former students are enrolled in colleges nationwide, and another 125 high school students are preparing to attend higher education institutions. Most of the Guadalupe students are first-generation college students who lack resources in their community. The center aims to provide education and resources to change the face of the community and empower students to achieve their dreams.
Students in the Tutor Corps program must maintain a 3.0 GPA in high school to receive support, mentorship, and resources for college and career readiness. Guadalupe Center staff offer ACT and SAT preparation, mentorship opportunities, financial literacy training, scholarship assistance, and compensation for tutoring younger peers. Many students graduate without having to take out student loans, thanks to partnerships and scholarships provided by the center. For students like John Auguste and Silviano Rubio-Diaz, the program has given them direction and support in preparing for college and determining their future career paths.
Jazmin Lara-Vazquez, John Auguste, and Silviano Rubio-Diaz are just a few of the students who have benefitted from the Guadalupe Center Tutor Corps program. As they prepare to attend college, they reflect on the impact of the program and how it has helped them pave the way for younger students in their community. They hope to inspire others to pursue higher education and show that with determination and support, they too can achieve their goals. The program has provided a realistic preview of college life and prepared students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The Guadalupe Center aims to continue reaching more students in the Immokalee community, adding levels to the program to ensure that students come out of high school ready for college. Students like Liliana Carreno-Gonzalez, who plans to return to Immokalee after earning her college degree to become a teacher and give back to her community, embody the spirit of empowerment and education that the program promotes. The center’s president, Dawn Montecalvo, believes that by providing resources and education to students, they can change the face of the community and ultimately the world. The success of the program in helping students achieve higher education and career goals highlights the importance of investing in education and mentorship for underserved communities.
Through the Guadalupe Center Tutor Corps program, students in Immokalee, Florida, have been able to overcome barriers to higher education and achieve their dreams of attending college. The program offers support, mentorship, and resources to help students prepare for college and pursue their desired career paths. Many students have graduated and gone on to attend colleges nationwide, breaking barriers in a community where college education is not the norm. The success of the program in promoting education, empowerment, and opportunity for underserved students showcases the impact of investing in education and mentorship to create a brighter future for individuals and communities.
