Guadalupe Center is enhancing its successful After-school Tutoring Program through a generous grant from United Way of Collier County.

United Way is providing $46,000 to help fund an After-school Tutoring Program widely regarded as a difference-maker for children in Immokalee. Guadalupe Center’s program operates throughout the school year and serves 840 students in kindergarten, first and second grades who have scored below-level on county and state assessments.

Guadalupe Center’s teachers provide extra attention and support to ensure students reach the academic milestones required for success in school.

“It’s incredibly important to build a strong academic foundation at an early age, and 100% of students enrolled in our After-school Tutoring Program show learning gains in math and reading,” said Dawn Montecalvo, president of Guadalupe Center. “The grant from United Way of Collier County will help us reach additional students who just need a little more support to catch up to their peers, and ultimately excel in the classroom and beyond.”

Guadalupe Center is one of 21 partner agencies supported by United Way of Collier County, which directs its assistance to organizations addressing health, education and financial stability. In 2018, United Way of Collier County raised a record $6.1 million, nearly doubling the 2017 total of $3.3 million as more than 3,000 individuals and organizations made donations or pledges.

Guadalupe Center’s After-school Program operates at all five elementary schools in Immokalee: Pinecrest, Highlands, Village Oaks, Lake Trafford and Eden Park.