Dear Friends,
I am thrilled to share an exciting new initiative in our journey of building strong, self-sufficient families in The Harlem Heights neighborhood: The Heights CareerTech Institute.
Our mission has always been to empower individuals and families in Harlem Heights through education and opportunity. Today, over 85% of Harlem Heights’ young adults have earned their diplomas. Many of them will become part of what is now called the “Toolbelt Generation,” choosing technical certifications as a pathway to success.
The post-secondary Heights CareerTech Institute is our next step in this progression. Located on the corner of Gladiolus Drive and Pine Ridge Road, the two-story, state-of-the-art facility will serve over 500 students each year, not just from Harlem Heights, but all of Lee County. Our industry-credentialed courses will provide pathways to high-paying, sustainable careers, directly supporting the economic growth and vitality of Southwest Florida.
The Heights CareerTech Institute will be more than just a school – it will be a place of opportunity, a bridge to self-sufficiency, and a beacon of hope.
Together, we will create a strong and sustainable workforce for our region, ensuring families thrive for generations to come.
Thanks to the generous support of our community, we have raised over $31.36 million toward our goal of $42 million. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed to making this vision a reality. Now, we invite you to join us in bringing this dream to life. Your support will help us achieve even greater milestones for our community.
To learn more about this transformational project, please contact me at kathryn@heightsfoundation.org or (239) 482-7706.
With gratitude,
Kathryn Kelly
Founder/President/CEO, The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center
December 2025 Update
Dear Friends,
It is my pleasure to give a quick update on the fundraising and construction of the Heights CareerTech Institute. I hope you’ve had an opportunity to drive by the jobsite at the corner of Gladiolus Drive and Pine Ridge Road – it’s quite impressive!
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Project Total $42M
- Total Raised / Pledged to Date: $31.75M Balance to Raise: $10.25M
- Thank you!! And thank you to our Steering Committee for their leadership.
- We are working on a large grant through New Markets Tax Credits.
LEGISLATIVE BUDGET REQUEST
- Our State Representative, Jenna Persons-Mulicka, and State Senator, Jonathan Martin, were successful in securing $2.5M for the project in the July 2025 Legislative Budget.
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
- Construction is in full-swing!
- Walls are up. The second floor and the roof are being installed.
- You will have noticed that the retaining walls are formed and ready to pour.
LEGAL AND CHARTER APPROVALS
- Our Charter Application has been submitted to the Lee County School District.
- The Heights CareerTech Institute is now a registered business in Florida.
- We have received our 501©(3) designation and tax-exempt status.
INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
- The IAC roster has been filled with individuals / business owners with knowledge and expertise in the specific disciplines to be taught at HCTI.
UPCOMING
- As soon as the jobsite is ‘safe’, we will plan Hard Hat tours.
- If there is anyone you believe we should talk to about this project, please contact me.
Together, we’re building a stronger future for Southwest Florida.
Kathryn Kelly
Founder/President/CEO, The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center
