The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is proud to announce a $2.5 million appropriation from the State of Florida to support the Heights CareerTech Institute, a transformative new post-secondary career technical school serving Southwest Florida. The funding, championed by Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka and Senator Jonathan Martin, is designated for capital construction costs and marks a critical milestone in advancing workforce development and economic opportunity in the region.
The $42 million Heights CareerTech Institute is currently under construction and will provide training in high-demand industries including construction, automotive, marine, healthcare, culinary, and early childhood education. By equipping students with skills in these targeted trades, the Institute will help decrease the number of job vacancies in Southwest Florida’s most critical workforce sectors.
“This appropriation represents an incredible investment in the future of Southwest Florida,” said Kathryn Kelly, Founder and Executive Director of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “The Heights CareerTech Institute will open doors for our students and families, providing access to education and training that lead directly to sustainable careers. We are deeply grateful to Senator Martin and Representative Persons-Mulicka for their unwavering commitment to this vision.”
Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka emphasized the importance of the project to Florida’s long-term growth: “Workforce development is one of the most critical investments we can make for our state. The Heights CareerTech Institute will not only transform lives in Harlem Heights but also strengthen the economic vitality of the entire region. I am proud to champion this initiative and excited to see its lasting impact.”
The Heights CareerTech Institute is scheduled to open in 2026 and will serve as a model for community-driven workforce education and career-connected learning, bridging the gap between academic achievement and economic self-sufficiency.
For more information about the Heights CareerTech Institute and how to support the project, visit www.heightsfoundation.org/careertech
