Walt Buchholtz

Since 2018, Walt Buchholtz has been working with The Immokalee Foundation to develop and implement a career-oriented educational program for at-risk youth in Immokalee -- a large agricultural migrant community that suffers from intergenerational poverty and low educational attainment. Through extensive collaboration with middle and high schools, industry professionals, and institutes of higher education -- The Immokalee Foundation developed an innovative out-of-school program that ensures every Foundation student acquires the technical skills, hands-on experience and marketable credentials that lead to a professional career and financial independence. Results of this award-winning program are remarkable. 100% of 8th grade students develop a career action plan outlining their career pathway for high school and beyond. 100% of high school students earn an industry certification and complete a paid internship to bolster their resume and marketability. 100% of our students graduate from high school and enter a college program, get a job in their career field of choice or enter the military. 93% of postsecondary students complete an advanced postsecondary certification or college degree, with 89% earning a bachelor’s degree or higher and 87% working in their field of study. Prior to joining The Immokalee Foundation, Walt had a 37-year career at Exxon Mobil Corporation, where he held various executive leadership positions in public and government affairs.