Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: YMCA of Southwest Florida
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 200 Nokomis Ave S, 3rd Floor
City: Venice
State: FL
Postal Code: 34285
Main Phone: 941-492-9622
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.ymcaswfl.org
Employer ID Number: 59-1629660
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/16/26
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Beacons Career & Technical Education program
Project Description:

The Beacons program is a new initiative launched in 2025 to expand career and technical education for at-risk middle school and high school youth. By preparing future generations for in-demand, sustaining-wage careers, we help foster long-term economic stability for underserved individuals and families as well as drive economic growth and strengthen the overall vitality of our community.
The goals of the Beacons program are to help young people:
• Identify and pursue meaningful educational and career pathways that align with their interests and strengths
• Gain exposure to diverse college, career and technical education opportunities, broadening their understanding of traditional and non-traditional career paths
• Engage with industry professionals and mentors who inspire and guide them in exploring potential careers
• Build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging, fostering the skills and mindset needed for long-term success
Key activities of the Beacons program include providing internships, career field trips, job shadowing, work readiness clubs that merge classroom learning with real-world practice, and career presentations based on youth interests, technical college programs/tours, and social-emotional support and mentorship.
Beacons recruits youth through teachers, coaches, community events, social media and word of mouth. Since August, the program has served 599 youth at 11 schools/sites. The program is open to both males and females, but about 70% are young men. Participants tend to reflect the population of their respective schools in race/ethnicity and income. On average, 60% of middle school youth currently served by Beacons qualify for free or reduced school lunch; in some locations, 100% of youth qualify for this benefit.
The response to the Beacons program has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are seeking to expand the program to serve more youth and schools throughout the Y’s service area. This expansion will include adding staff and resources for paid student internships, field trips, etc.

Total Project Budget: $574,425

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $450,000

Project Duration: 1/1/27 – 12/31/27
Geographical Area Served: Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte and Lee Counties
Age Group To Be Served: 11-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Trisha
Contact Last Name: Kauffman
Contact Title: Director of Grants
Contact Phone: 941-492-9622
Contact Email: tkauffman@ymcaswfl.org