Guadalupe Center has been awarded a $20,000 grant from Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, providing critical support for its nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program. The funding will enhance classroom instruction, provide tuition assistance for families, and help purchase educational materials that nurture learning for students from 6 weeks to 5 years.
Guadalupe Center’s Early Childhood Education Program serves 545 students across five campuses in Immokalee, children with academic, social, emotional, and behavioral skills essential for long-term success. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the program has earned a reputation for excellence and affordability, with tuition based on household income and supplemented by philanthropic partnerships.
“Suncoast Credit Union Foundation’s continued support demonstrates a shared commitment to creating brighter futures for children,” said Dawn Montecalvo, president and CEO of Guadalupe Center. “This grant not only helps us provide exceptional early learning experiences but also underscores the vital role of investing in education to uplift entire communities.”
Families in Guadalupe Center’s Early Childhood Education Program pay an average of $54 per week, a figure made possible through the generosity of grants and private donors. The latest grant from Suncoast Credit Union Foundation will ensure more children in Immokalee have access to high-quality early learning opportunities that set them on a path to success in elementary school and beyond.
“At Suncoast, we believe education is a cornerstone for a strong community and a better future,” said Kourtney Berry, executive director of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. “Our partnership with Guadalupe Center represents an investment in tomorrow’s leaders, empowering children to reach their full potential.”
Since its establishment in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated over $40 million to support educational initiatives and improve the lives of children and families. Guadalupe Center is proud to be a partner in this mission, working collaboratively to create transformative opportunities for the next generation.
