JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA AWARDED $20,000 GRANT
Grant Funding Provided Through The Daniel R. and Anne M. Harper Foundation
FORT MYERS, Fla. – July 29, 2026 – Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida is proud to announce it has been awarded a $20,000 grant from The Daniel R. and Anne M. Harper Foundation. This generous investment will help the organization continue to deliver transformative workforce readiness programs to local students.
Among the programs supported by this investment is Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program, an innovative workforce development initiative that helps students explore careers in the skilled trades while gaining valuable hands-on experience and industry-recognized credentials.
Recognizing the growing demand for skilled workers, Junior Achievement developed the six-month Pre-Apprenticeship Program to provide students with a direct pathway into careers in electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). The program combines classroom instruction, work-based learning, employer engagement, and professional development to prepare participants for long-term success while helping address workforce needs throughout Southwest Florida. Participants build career-readiness skills through goal-setting, personal branding, résumé writing, interview preparation, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
“The Daniel R. and Anne M. Harper Foundation’s generosity allows us to continue delivering impactful educational experiences that prepare students for bright futures,” said Cheryl Kunkle, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida. “We’re especially excited to continue growing programs like our Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which gives students a head start on rewarding careers while helping meet the workforce needs of our region.”
The Daniel R. and Anne M. Harper Foundation was established in 2000 to continue the legacy of Daniel and Anne Harper, whose lives reflected integrity, honor, hospitality, and sincere faith. Today, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations throughout Southwest Florida that create lasting community impact through assistance for human services, education, science, and religion.
About Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement (JA) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to preparing young people to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make informed academic and financial decisions. JA programs are delivered by business and community volunteers and provide hands-on experiences that teach students from kindergarten through high school critical skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. JA is also expanding its reach to pre-K learners and young adults ages 18 to 25 to ensure children gain a strong foundation and emerging adults are equipped for independent success.
Today, JA reaches more than 4.4 million students annually in 102 U.S. markets, contributing to a global network that serves 12.5 million students in over 100 countries. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. For more information, visit www.ja.org.
Locally, during the 2024–2025 school year, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida partnered with hundreds of classroom volunteers to deliver 233,402 hours of instruction to 20,592 students across Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties. To learn more, visit www.JASWFL.org, call (239) 225-2590, or email [email protected].
About the Daniel R. & Anne M. Harper Foundation
Established in 2000 by Daniel and Anne Harper, the Daniel R. & Anne M. Harper Foundation is a Fort Myers, Florida-based private foundation dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in Southwest Florida. Stemming from humble beginnings and driven by sincere faith and quiet compassion, the foundation has awarded grants to support scientific, religious, educational, and human service initiatives.