By: J.C. Amodea
Some educators instinctively motivate and guide students using top mentoring practices. Anita Herrera, assistant director of the Guadalupe Center Tutor Corps program in Immokalee, exemplifies this skill. In recognition of her dedication, on May 8, the Florida College Access Network presented Herrera with the College Ready Florida Innovator Award at the Talent Strong Florida Summit in Tampa. This award honors educators who advance students’ college and career readiness through FCAN’s College Ready Florida initiatives, such as Apply Yourself Florida, Florida FAFSA Challenge, College Decision Day and Plan It Florida.
Daniel Martinez, director of Tutor Corps High School, credits Herrera with improving the program’s efficiency and effectiveness by modernizing systems and fostering student opportunities to reach their goals and serve future communities. Martinez emphasized that Herrera’s efforts have made a lasting impact on both students and parents. Though Herrera’s primary focus is college access, educational equity and supporting first-generation students, she maintains that her recognition is a direct result of her students’ efforts.
“They are the ones doing the work and putting in all the effort. I am here to support them in anyway I can,” Herrera said.
Each year, FCAN’s summit gathers leaders from education, business, philanthropy and community organizations to foster connections and share best practices. By convening these stakeholders, FCAN works to expand Floridians’ opportunities for postsecondary education and meaningful careers.
The Tutor Corps program supports students from middle school through college. This school year, 130 students have been enrolled. Guadalupe Center reports that college-bound students have a 100% acceptance rate, and 93% complete degrees. Alternatively, some graduates enter the military or technical schools.
How mentoring begins
A Tutor Corps alumna, Herrera returned to her community after college to guide high school students from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds toward post-secondary education. Herrera has more than five years of experience in education, college access and student advising. She specializes in program management, curriculum development and postsecondary planning, especially for first-generation and migrant students. She has mentored more than 150 students through career exploration, college admissions, financial aid processes and decisions leading to college and career success. Her aim is to foster students’ self-sufficiency and advocacy.
Herrera works with 30 to 35 students each year; this school year, she has 34, and 33 are pursuing post-secondary education. All have received some form of financial aid, totaling $4.15 million in scholarships and grants. One student is entering the military. Recruitment begins in the spring of eighth grade for students who wish to pursue college or technical school. Applicants need at least a 3.0 GPA and must interview, then selected students train in summer before starting weekly meetings in August.
Herrera’s practical strategies
Herrera said the Tutor Corps program offers holistic support for students and families, building trust across school departments. Guidance and tutelage are not limited to academics, but also include the provision of food and transportation. Practical assistance includes help with essays, financial needs assessments and bilingual group and individual meetings with parents at the start of the school year to provide them with a timeline and idea of what to expect throughout the year. The components of success for students, Herrera contends, are persistence, confidence and a sense of belonging.
The students
Senior Jasmine Reyes-Hernandez will attend North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. Her experience tutoring younger students inspired her to plan a career in pediatric occupational therapy. Herrera helped Reyes-Hernandez refine her essay, create a strong resume and navigate the college application and financial aid process, answering questions along the way.
“She joined me on college visits to Saint Mary’s College, Florida State, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida and North Central College,” Reyes-Hernandez said. “I was accepted to six schools.”
Herrera helped her decide on North Central College by outlining pros and cons and showing a steadfast belief in her potential. “Her encouragement gave me confidence to pursue higher education away from home,” Reyes-Hernandez added. Herrera also met with Reyes-Hernandez’s parents regarding financial aid and trips, building trust and clarifying potential risks and benefits. Herrera advised senior Raul Pena to “go where you want and follow your instincts,” guiding him on his path to a mechanical engineering degree at North Central College. Pena said Herrera helped him begin his college search by suggesting partner schools and available opportunities.
“Her guidance during applications and essay revisions was invaluable,” he said. “She also helped my family understand college costs and next steps.”
