PALM CITY — They’re on the pathway to a successful future! Thanks to a $100,000 grant from Impact 100 Martin, students from Project LIFT are learning new vocational skills while they earn high school diplomas in the organization’s new “Pathway Academy of Innovation.”

The program was chosen to receive Impact 100 Martin’s first grant award in April, and it is already achieving results.

Three students who recently graduated from the pilot Pathway program are gainfully employed, and the next class will graduate within 45 days.

“The Impact 100 Martin grant was vital to the launch of our Pathway Academy of Innovation,” says Executive Director Robert Zaccheo. “Thanks to this funding, we will facilitate 20 teens through the program this year who otherwise would likely not finish their education.”

MORE:Project LIFT gets inaugural grant from Impact 100 Martin

Recently, Impact 100 Martin members visited Project LIFT to deliver the first grant installment, meet some Pathway Academy students and see the program in action.

The Pathway Academy of Innovation also includes socio-emotional support services, and uses a blend of online and on-site experiential learning.

“Project LIFT’s Pathway Academy of Innovation was a great fit for our funding,” said Nancy Wong, Executive Committee Chair of Impact 100 Martin. “Impact members are excited to see how our grant will help these teens build the foundation for their future success and involvement in our community.”

Project LIFT is dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk teens through substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, vocational skills training and mentoring.

MORE: Impact 100 Martin reaches goal of 100 women

Impact 100 Martin empowers women to create positive change in our community through collective giving.

The organization is a giving circle within the Martin County Community Foundation. Impact 100 Martin information and membership applications are available online at www.yourmccf.org/impact100martin.