GEC SUCCESS STORIES
GEC Students Step Up to Assist Relief Efforts
Thank God GEC and families were blessed during hurricane Ian with little damage. The students needed to release their emotions and repay their blessings to those not as fortunate as themselves. These acts of public service encompassed several measurable aspects of the...
GEC Students are Flying High
In 2018, as part of the newly formed Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship Program (EAP) the students of GEC were invited to take part in the Young Eagles program, whose mission is to introduce children to the world of aviation. At that time, Jocelyn and Julian weren’t ready...
S.M.A.R.T. Programs Helps Hit a Home Run
Growing up, the hardships these children have endured as part of the migrant community make it hard to trust people. Many of these children are withdrawn and don’t want to take part in anything that falls outside their comfort zone. They are left emotionally and...
Congratulations 2022 Graduates!
This year we celebrate two new high school graduates, Evelyn Martinez and Yuliana Cruz! Because of their hard work, they have both been awarded scholarships from GEC, Jumpstart, and Earn to Learn. Thank you to the wonderful teachers that have helped them over the...
ENTREPRENEURIAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM CONTINUES AT CYPRESS WOODS
We are happy to report that the Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship Program (EAP) secured three more years of funding thanks to the Joseph J. Schott Family Foundation in honor of recently retired Food & Beverage Director Bill Sargent, who played an important part in...
WELCOME TO CAMP PINEAPPLE
In the industry, the pineapple is the universal symbol for hospitality due to its association with warmth and friendliness. Holding true to that spirit, The School of Resort & Hospitality Management (a four year course) at Florida Gulf Coast University will host...
ELVER, BUSINESSMAN AND AUTO MECHANIC
We are very proud to announce, thanks to scholarships made possible by our partnership with Lorenzo Walker and GEC donors, our graduate and employee Elver has enrolled in the Automotive Services Technology program at Lorenzo Walker Technical College. In this two-year...
Luz Alonso – Future RN
Longtime GEC student and now an alumni, Luz has always known she wants to help people. Her caring nature has led her to pursue a career as a nurse. Despite the challenges of working two jobs, one at Starbucks and another at Carlisle Senior Living in Naples, Luz has...
The GEC Rewards Store – A Lesson in Generosity
The Benison Center, founded by Frank Rincon, is a clearinghouse for items that are donated to various charitable organizations throughout the region. Frank donated over 500 items that many families would not be able to afford on their own that filled the shelves of...
A LEGACY OF CARING – SMART PROGRAM
This past November, The Gargiulo Education Center lost a dear friend, donor and inspiration in Ray LaPierre. Ray was truly a bright and shining star, especially during the holidays. Most of our families struggle financially and are unable to provide their children...