Leadership Collier Foundation awarded $60,000 grant from Naples Children & Education Foundation to expand the work-based learning initiatives of Greater Naples Chamber 

Leadership Collier Foundation awarded $60,000 grant from Naples Children & Education Foundation to expand the work-based learning initiatives of Greater Naples Chamber 

Leadership Collier Foundation (LCF) of the Greater Naples Chamber was recently awarded $60,000 of grant funding by Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, to expand the work-based learning initiatives. Leadership Collier Foundation’s mission is to activate the potential of leaders to build a stronger Collier County. 

“The Leadership Collier Foundation, of the Greater Naples Chamber, is pleased to receive this grant award and put it towards the talent development of our emerging workforce and bringing awareness of local career paths to create meaningful impact for Collier County’s future economic well-being,” said Danielle O’Conner, director of talent initiatives at the Leadership Collier Foundation. “The connections made within our initiative not only develop and enhance the employability skills of our youth but help address the talent shortage that many of our employers are facing.” 

“Each of the private and public charitable organizations receiving NCEF funding exemplifies the highest levels of efficacy and accountability,” said NCEF CEO Maria Jimenez-Lara. “These agencies collaborate throughout the year to optimize funding, avoid duplication and develop innovative strategies to deliver high-quality programs and services to support local children.” 

The LCF leads the Chamber’s Work-Based Learning initiative, a collaboration between Southwest Florida’s educational institutions and local employers to create high-quality work-based learning experiences and connections that are crucial for growing and retaining talent in Collier County. As the LCF and Greater Naples Chamber see this need growing, this grant will allow for more meaningful connections and expanded resources. Growth will include more individualized matches with companies, ability to expand business relationships to include smaller organizations, and even workshops for resume assistance. We believe these added efforts will have a significant and positive impact on the talent challenge in Collier County.