Naples, Fla. (August 12, 2026) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has been awarded a $25,000 grant from The Golisano Foundation to expand its Beyond School Walls (BSW) mentoring program, helping high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) build employment-readiness skills, graduate, and transition into the workforce.
The grant will support the expansion of Beyond School Walls into Lee County through a new partnership with North Fort Myers High School and Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc., while strengthening the existing program in Charlotte County.
“We are pleased to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast as it expands these opportunities for students in Lee County while strengthening its work in Charlotte County,” said Erica Dayton, Executive Director of The Golisano Foundation.
Through the partnership, students will gain access to workforce development resources and hands-on experiences, including job training, resume and interview preparation, financial literacy, professional communication, and workplace expectations.
“This investment from The Golisano Foundation reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to recognize their potential, build confidence, and prepare for a successful future,” said Kamala Martinez, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. “By expanding Beyond School Walls into Lee County and strengthening our work in Charlotte County, we can connect more students with meaningful mentoring relationships, career exploration, and opportunities to develop the skills they need to pursue their goals.”
The expansion builds upon the Charlotte County Beyond School Walls program, which has operated for the past three years through a partnership among Port Charlotte High School, Goodwill Southwest Florida, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. The program has helped students develop practical workforce skills while building meaningful relationships with professional mentors who encourage and support their growth.
The program also helps increase community awareness of the abilities and potential of young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while fostering partnerships among businesses, schools, and community organizations.
“Beyond School Walls gives students the chance to experience what the workplace looks like, practice skills they will use every day, and begin thinking about what they want their future to look like,” said Melissa Nelson, Regional Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. “For students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, having access to supportive mentors can help them take important steps toward employment and greater independence.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast is grateful to The Golisano Foundation for its investment in expanding career preparation and workplace mentoring opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southwest Florida.
About Golisano Foundation:
The Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. dedicated to making the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation is devoted to opening doors to opportunity, changing negative perceptions and stereotypes, and forging unprecedented partnerships to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have pathways to personal dignity, independence, and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes. Founded in 1985 by Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, civic leader, and founder of Paychex, Inc. —the Foundation “imagines the possibilities,” advocating for families, fighting for their dignity, and giving people with IDD the opportunity to thrive in their communities. With more than $100 million in gross assets, it awards about $5 million annually to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.
About BBBS of the Sun Coast:
For more than 57 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has helped young people realize their full potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. By connecting youth with caring adult mentors, the organization empowers them to build confidence, achieve educational success, and develop the skills needed to thrive in school, work, and life. Now the 10th largest Big Brothers Big Sisters agency in the nation, the organization continues to expand its reach and impact as one of the leading youth mentoring organizations in the country. In recognition of its continued growth and impact, the organization received the 2025 Growth Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Learn more or get involved at bbbssun.org.
Media Contacts
Erica Dayton, Executive Director
The Golisano Foundation
585-419-9979
edayton@golisanofoundation.org
Vinnie Mascarenhas, VP Marketing & Communications
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast
941-488-4009
vmascarenhas@bbbssun.org