Fort Myers' Legacy Center inspires youth with mentorship and scholarships

FORT MYERS - The Legacy Center of SWFL is making waves in Dunbar by preparing students for success with leadership, mentorship and scholarship opportunities.

Located on Ballard Road and Marsh Avenue, the center opens its doors to all youth in Southwest Florida, offering them knowledge and skills they won't forget.

"When we bring students in here, the first thing we share with them is that every family has a story." said Autumn Watkins Holloway, CEO and founder of the Legacy Center.

Watkins Holloway, a Fort Myers native, understands first-hand the importance of carrying on a legacy.

"My grandfather, the late Halsey Watkins Sr., was the first Black housing commissioner here. My father and my mom, they have founded a ministry, which we have had here Jesus Christ Outreach Center for almost 40 years now. And we have a list of athletes in our family, from my nephew Austin Watkins Jr, to my cousins Sammy and Jaylyn. And we just want students to understand that although their family legacy may not be the same as my family legacy, they have the power to enrich their family's legacy," said Watkins Holloway.

From elementary to high school, there is a place for every child to thrive at the center. 

"No matter their economic background, no matter what side of town they live on, no matter their financial background, we want all students to understand that they are important and they have the ability to make a difference," said Watkins Holloway.

Through its new premier program, the Legacy Scholars Institute, the center selects 10 students for their summer cohort to strengthen their portfolios, conduct interviews, and build leadership skills.

"It is a very competitive process. This program is really geared for students who are high achieving, academically successful, and wanting to go to the next level," said Watkins Holloway.

Throughout the center, you can see quotes and portraits of renowned civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. Watkins Holloway believes that by having visual reminders of those who have sparked change before, it will encourage the next generation to chart their own path to greatness. 

"When they see these figures, it means so much to them, because they know that if you can see it, you can believe it, and if you can believe it, then you can achieve it. We just lost the great icon, Rev. Jesse Jackson. And his legacy is one which teaches children that you are someone, you matter, you are important. And that is what we hope to achieve here at the Legacy Center," said Watkins Holloway.

The deadline for applications for the summer program is May 1. For more information about upcoming opportunities, visit the Legacy Center's website.