Guadalupe Center

The mission of Guadalupe Center is to break the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee. Guadalupe Center’s roots date back to the early 1980s, when it operated a community soup kitchen at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. In addition to providing nutritious meals and a safe environment for local families, the center became a gathering place where children completed homework. Volunteers soon recognized the academic challenges many students faced and identified a deeper need for educational support across age groups. In response, a work-study program was developed in which high school students were paid to tutor younger children. In 1984, the newly formed Board of Trustees established Guadalupe Center as a non-denominational 501(c)(3) nonprofit, launching two core initiatives: After-school Tutoring and Tutor Corps. Over time, Guadalupe Center expanded its scope to address educational needs earlier in life, adding early childhood education in 1996. After more than 40 years of dedicated service, Guadalupe Center now supports more than 2,000 students annually. Guadalupe Center remains steadfast in its commitment to creating transformational change through education, breaking the cycle of poverty in Immokalee one child at a time.

Each year, more than 2,000 students benefit from Guadalupe Center’s comprehensive education continuum, which includes Early Childhood Education, After-school Tutoring and Summer Enrichment, Tutor Corps RISE, and Tutor Corps. These programs are intentionally designed to build a strong academic foundation from infancy through college graduation. Guadalupe Center’s Early Childhood Education programs serve children from six weeks to five years old. Today, the organization operates three early learning campuses, two satellite classrooms affiliated with Collier County Public Schools, and a community-wide Smart Start Program. These initiatives ensure that even the youngest learners in Immokalee have access to high-quality early childhood education. The After-school Tutoring Program serves students in kindergarten through second grade at all five elementary schools in Immokalee. The program provides academic support in literacy and math, homework assistance, meals, and social-emotional learning. A six-week Summer Enrichment Program builds on this foundation by integrating recreation and healthy living into students’ daily routines. Recognizing the importance of sustained support during transitional years, Guadalupe Center launched the RISE Program in 2024 to serve students in grades 6 through 8. RISE, which stands for Resilience, Inspiration, Support, and Empowerment, focuses on building confidence, character, and aspirations during the critical middle school years and prepares students for success in high school and beyond. RISE feeds directly into the long-established Tutor Corps Program, Guadalupe Center’s signature college-preparatory and scholarship initiative for Immokalee High School students. Participants are employed as tutors and mentors while earning scholarship funds for their future. In addition to academic support, students receive guidance from staff and volunteer mentors, mental health resources, and opportunities to explore life beyond their rural community. Guadalupe Center’s support continues through college, ensuring long-term success and sustainability. With a proven track record of exceeding state and national outcomes, Guadalupe Center strengthens the next generation of leaders and helps break the cycle of poverty through education. Programs are designed around key milestones: entering kindergarten ready to learn, reading at grade level by third grade, transitioning successfully to and graduating from high school, and completing postsecondary education.