The Learning for Life in Fort Myers offers seven programs designed to support schools and community-based organizations in their efforts to prepare youth to successfully handle the complexities of contemporary society and to enhance their self-confidence, motivation, and self-esteem. The seven programs focus on character education and career education. Learning for Life programs help youth develop social and life skills, assist in character development and help youth formulate positive personal values. It prepares youth to make ethical decisions that will help them achieve their full potential. There are two program methods. We have six school-based programs and one worksite-based program.

Adults involved in Learning for Life are selected by the organization in which they work (i.e., schools, local businesses, community organizations). Race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, economic status, and citizenship are not criteria for participation in Learning for Life.

At a time when drugs and gangs are ravaging many of our schools and communities, Learning for Life programs can be a catalyst to help stop this trend. The program uses age-appropriate, grade-specific lesson plans to give youth skills and information that will help them cope with the complexities of today's society.

Learning for Life makes academic learning fun and relevant to real-life situations in age-appropriate and grade-specific material. As a result, the positive character traits and skills learned by participation in Learning for Life not only make students more confident and capable but also give them an invaluable understanding of how things work in the real world. School and community demands for character education and career education programs have greatly influenced the dramatic growth of Learning for Life. Learning for Life has been adopted by more than 17,000 schools and organizations nationwide, serving over 1.5 million youth.

The program sponsors a local talent show and an annual banquet in May to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments of the young people in the program. The date has been rescheduled to August 21 at the Broadway Palm dinner theater. Several of our club members have attended in the past. If you are interested in attending let one of the club officers know.