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 $26 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