Freedom Institute Receives $5,000 Grant from Collier Community Foundation

NAPLES, Fla., October 2025. The Freedom Institute of Collier County is proud to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation. This funding will support the creation of a new College & Career Room, a tech-enabled, flexible learning space designed to help high school students in grades 9–12 prepare for success in college, career, and life after graduation.

The grant will fund the transformation of an underutilized gym into a dedicated student center focused on college and career readiness. Renovations will include flexible furnishings such as desks, seating, and storage, along with key technological upgrades to support college dual enrollment, virtual classes, job training, and individualized career coaching. The project reflects the Freedom Institute’s mission to provide personalized, real-world learning experiences that build life readiness and empower student achievement.

“This grant from the Collier Community Foundation helps us take a vital step forward in scaling our innovative, student-centered model. Our new College & Career Room will give students the space, tools, and guidance they need to pursue their goals with confidence and clarity. We’re grateful to the Foundation for recognizing the importance of investing in the future of Collier County’s youth.”

Christopher Marker, CEO, The Freedom Institute

The Freedom Institute has grown rapidly from just 19 students in its first year to over 135 in its third year. The new College & Career Room will serve as a vital resource for this expanding student population, supporting academic performance, goal setting, and post-secondary planning. Additional support for the project has come from internal capacity-building efforts and in-kind contributions from community partners.

“Access to flexible, tech-enabled spaces is essential for modern education. This investment not only supports college dual enrollment and career exploration but also strengthens our ability to integrate AI-driven coaching and learning tools that personalize the student experience.”

Nathan Poteet, Executive Director of Programs & AI

Principal Christy Vaill echoed the importance of the new space, stating:

“This grant allows us to turn a vision into reality for our students. The new College & Career Room will give them a space that reflects our commitment to personalized, real-world learning and help them take confident steps toward their futures.”

Christy Vaill, Principal, The Freedom Institute

The Collier Community Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Selected organizations receive grant dollars from the Foundation’s discretionary funds. These funds were gifted by donors who believe in the Community Foundation’s ability to mobilize resources to address the community’s greatest needs.

Celebrating 40 years of empowering local philanthropy, the Collier Community Foundation® is a trusted, tax-exempt, public charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the community through impactful giving. Established in 1985, the Foundation manages over 900 donor funds, collaborates with hundreds of nonprofits, and has awarded over $392 million in grants and scholarships to support vital programs and initiatives. To learn more, visit colliercf.org or call 239-649-5000.