Finding His Niche: Gerardo’s Journey Through Grace Place

For 7th grader Gerardo, Grace Place has become a place where learning, friendship, and career exploration come together.

“I’m thankful for everything I’ve learned, everyone I’ve met, and the teachers who have helped me along the way at Grace Place,” Gerardo said. “It’s been really fun, and I’ve gotten to explore things I never would have experienced otherwise.”

Gerardo’s journey began in our middle school after-school program, where he joined our Choice Academies, career-focused programs that introduce students to industries shaping Southwest Florida’s future. Thanks to support from the Women’s Foundation, students can explore fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, and technology through hands-on experiences.

Gerardo was part of the first Manufacturing Academy cohort, where he enjoyed building hurricane-resistant model houses with classmates, before testing their creations with leaf blowers.

While he enjoyed manufacturing, career exploration activities through the Hats & Ladders platform revealed that technology might be an even better fit for his interests. When Grace Place launched its Technology Choice Academy, he was eager to join.

Today, Gerardo is learning coding through projects using Sphero robots, programmable devices that students code to complete challenges and navigate courses they design themselves.

“We program them, and right now we’re making a map for them to roam around,” he said.

Through experiences like these, students gain exposure to careers in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and app development. Gerardo has already identified App Developer as a career he may want to pursue one day.

Beyond academics, Grace Place has given him opportunities to build friendships and connect with supportive mentors. When asked what Grace Place means to him, his answer was simple:

“Being able to do work, but also have time to be with friends and be who you want to be.”

As he continues through middle school, Gerardo is gaining skills, confidence, and a vision for what’s possible in the future.

For Grace Place supporters, Gerardo’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that your generosity and kindess makes possible. Through educational enrichment, career exploration, and caring relationships, students like Gerardo are gaining opportunities to learn, grow, and pursue their potential.

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