Located in one of Florida's poorest counties, Hendry County is gearing up for the development of the new 'Airglades' airport, a $300 million cargo hub that has the potential to revolutionize its economy. Local leaders view this project as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could bring over 1,400 new high-skilled jobs to their predominantly agricultural community situated on the edge of the Everglades.
However, before residents can be prepared for jobs in engineering and manufacturing, educators in the region face significant challenges. A substantial portion of the county's working-age adults lack a high-school diploma, and nearly half speak a language other than English at home, ranking among the highest in Florida. This necessitates a focus on helping individuals earn their GEDs and learn English to equip them for the job market.
