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 $32 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

February 2026 Update

Dear Friends,

We are proud to announce significant progress on the Heights CareerTech Institute (HCTI) — a transformative project that will expand opportunity, strengthen families, and help meet the growing workforce needs of Southwest Florida.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, we have raised $32 million. This milestone reflects the shared vision and commitment of donors, partners, and advocates who believe in creating pathways to meaningful careers and brighter futures for individuals and families in Harlem Heights and beyond.

Project Progress Update

Momentum on construction continues to be strong:

• Construction remains on schedule, and we are nearing completion of the major structural components that could have impacted progress if materials were delayed.

• Our goal is to receive the Certificate of Occupancy by mid-July, allowing classrooms and training labs to be equipped and prepared for our inaugural student cohorts beginning in August.

The Heights CareerTech Institute will provide hands-on, post-secondary training in high-demand skilled trades, equipping students with the credentials and confidence needed for sustainable employment while helping address critical workforce shortages across our region. This project represents a lasting investment in education, economic mobility, and long-term community impact.

A Special Thank You to Our Steering Committee

We extend our sincere appreciation to the members of our HCTI Steering Committee, whose leadership and dedication continue to guide this initiative forward:

• Dede D’Arcy

• Tom Dunham

• Jim Dwyer

• Scott Fischer

• Gary Griffin

• Al Hanser

• George Heisler

• Chuck Ketteman

• Tom Lytton

• Jim Pigott

• Scott Kane

• John Ake

• Brian Rist

• Susan Scott

• John Talmage

• Penny Wilkinson

• Lorraine Wright

Their vision and commitment are helping turn this bold vision into reality.

The Final Stretch

As we enter this final phase of fundraising, we invite you to help us cross the finish line. Every gift brings us closer to opening the Heights CareerTech Institute fully funded, fully equipped, and ready to change lives from day one.

Together, we can ensure students have access to the training, opportunity, and support they need to build stable careers and stronger futures.

Thank you for standing with us as we build something truly transformational for our community.

With gratitude,

Kathryn Kelly

Founder/President/CEO, The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center