FAFSA Completion Events
It’s not too late to complete the FAFSA! As many are aware, the 2024-25 FAFSA application cycle has brought substantial changes to the student financial aid application process. The application form is different, new eligibility criteria, terminology, and requirements for contributors as well as a shorter timeline to complete the application. Opportunities are available this summer to help students still needing to complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA form so they can get the money they need for college. Many of SWFL’s community partners have rallied to help and are offering in-person and virtual FAFSA assistance.
Partner Spotlight
Kay Tracy
Business Recruitment Manager
Charlotte County Economic Development
The Charlotte County Economic Development Office’s collaboration with FutureMakers has proven to be transformative for our region’s educational landscape. By actively participating in the FutureMakers Coalition, we are dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes throughout Southwest Florida.
Our commitment extends beyond statistics; it’s about empowering individuals, families, and communities to thrive in a knowledge-driven economy. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, we aim to increase the attainment of college degrees, certifications, and credentials among our residents.
Looking forward, we are enthusiastic about the future of our partnership with FutureMakers. Together, we are poised to make substantial progress in closing educational gaps and equipping our workforce with essential skills for success in an ever-changing community. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we are committed to creating enduring change that benefits everyone in our region.
Witnessing the impact of our collective efforts on individuals’ lives will be truly inspiring. From strategic planning sessions to celebrating educational milestones, each interaction reinforces the significance of our mission.
I am eager to continue this journey with FutureMakers Coalition, contributing to a brighter, more educated future for our workforce in Southwest Florida.
We Are Hiring
If you are passionate about social impact, equity, changing lives, and are ready to be part of the change we need to create a more sustainable future, consider joining the team providing backbone support to the collaborative network of FutureMakers!
Coalition Coordinator Position –
Employer Recruitment Specialist –
Opportunities to Engage
Quarterly Regional Action Team Meetings:
- Access & Entry Team – July 25, 1:00-2:30 pm Register
- Persistence & Completion Team – Aug 12, 3:30-5:00 pm Register
- Data & Reporting Team – Aug 13, 3:00-4:30 pm Register
- Resilience & Diversification Team – Aug 28, 3:00-4:30 pm Register
FutureMakers Initiatives:
- Healthcare Systems Alignment Team – Aug 1, 9:00 – 10:00 am Register
- Employer Early Learning Roundtable – Aug 1, 9:00 – 11:00 am Register
FREE In-person Trainings:
SWFL Early Learning and Literacy Employer Roundtable
Join the Florida Chamber Foundation and Collaboratory on August 1st from 9:00 – 11:00 am for an employer roundtable on early learning and literacy concerns in the community. This conversation aims to understand what employers are seeing in their workforce due to childcare issues across Florida, what employers perceive as their role in supporting early learning and its access and affordability, and what barriers employers face in implementing policies or practices related to early learning, access, and affordability.
Southwest Florida Equitable Jobs Pipeline Update
Healthcare System Alignment Team Pilot Project
The FutureMakers Coalition healthcare system alignment is a robust group of employer partners, training partners, non-profit organizations, and more that come together monthly to address the workforce needs in the healthcare industry. This dedicated team has been working together to address critical issues to help the healthcare workforce in Southwest Florida since 2016. Read more.
FutureMakers Navigators
Are you interested in going back to school to complete your degree? The Fall 2024 semester is right around the corner and it’s a great time to get the pre-enrollment steps complete. You are not alone- your FutureMakers Navigator can walk alongside you to help.
Sign up for a free Navigator at futuremakerscoaltiion.com/navigators.
Our Navigators have been busy learning about helpful resources and opportunities in the region. Here’s some of what we found:
Integrated Education Training Career Pathways
Collier County Adult Education has opened registration for career pathway programs in multiple sectors to help folks get started training for in-demand careers including healthcare, education, and manufacturing! Check out their IET Career Pathways Website for more information. Virtual options available!
Florida SouthWestern State College Saturday Scholars Program
FSW’s Saturday Scholars program is specifically designed for first-time in college students to complete their Associate of Arts degree on Saturdays for two consecutive years from 8:30am-2:30pm. Learn more here: www.FSW.edu/saturdayscholars
Free Career Accelerator Programs for SWFL Residents at Florida Gulf Coast University
30+ micro-credentials, digital badges, and certifications are available free for residents of Southwest Florida. Learn more about these amazing opportunities made possible by the Lee County Economic Development Office and the Economic Development Authority. Reskill at FGCU
Stop by and meet a Navigator at one of these upcoming events:
Cape Coral Job and Resource Fair
July 17th 12:00pm-3:00pm
Next Level Church (Cape Coral location) 269 SW 2nd Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33991
