In 2014 sixteen teenagers from Immokalee high school took time from their busy schedules to volunteer as leaders in an innovative program that gave them a chance to create the Taste of Immokalee, a student created, student operated business. For these students, Taste of Immokalee was their solution to ending the cycle of poverty and following their migrant parents to the fields. They wanted to create something that would provide students like themselves with hands-on experience to be successful in their careers. It was also a way for them to give back to their community of Immokalee. We deliver quality products that represent their culture and that are made with the freshest locally sourced ingredients possible.
Fast forward, today, the Taste of Immokalee company is flourishing with the products being sold at selected Publix Supermarkets, online, community events, and corporate gift bundles. Students who have successfully completed our non-profit, Taste the Impact, Soft Skills and Career Readiness programs can intern in the company.The students put those skills to work through the student-created social business, Taste of Immokalee. They gain hands-on, real-world experience while operating the business. Under the guidance of professional mentors, these young entrepreneurs create, package, market, sell, and service Taste of Immokalee products. Using our innovative interactive approach to career readiness and soft skills development, we make the Taste of Immokalee into a tool that teaches students the foundational soft skills needed to be successful in the modern day workforce. Learning is no longer abstract. Today, Taste of Immokalee has become one of the main sources of Work-based internship for high school students in the community.
