Naples Players To Receive Grant For Inclusive Workforce Apprenticeship

The Naples Players has received a multi-year grant from the Golisano Foundation to support the expansion of its Inclusive Workforce & Apprenticeship Pathways Program, a workforce development initiative designed to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The initiative provides structured, paid apprenticeships embedded within The Naples Players’ daily operations, including front-of-house services, scenic construction, costuming, concessions, administration, and theatre operations. Apprentices will receive individualized coaching, workplace readiness training, and supervised hands-on experience designed to prepare participants for long-term competitive employment.

The program will be led by Summer Pliskow, TNP’s Director of Arts Access, whose work has helped expand the organization’s accessibility initiatives, sensory-friendly programming, and community partnerships serving individuals with disabilities. Pliskow will oversee apprentice support, employer collaboration, program development, and workforce readiness implementation throughout the initiative.

Over the next three years, The Naples Players plans to serve at least 30 individuals through paid apprenticeships while building a replicable model for inclusive workforce development within the arts sector.

“Theatre has the power to build confidence, connection, and purpose,” said Bryce Alexander, CEO & Executive Artistic Director of The Naples Players. “We want individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to see that there is a place for them not only in the audience, but as valued professionals, artists, collaborators, and leaders within our community.”

The apprenticeship program addresses the workforce gap facing individuals with IDD after exiting school-based transition services. The program will serve young adults ages 18–30 from Collier County and surrounding Southwest Florida communities.

The apprenticeship initiative builds upon TNP’s broader Arts Access work, which has become one of the organization’s community impact efforts. Through sensory-friendly and relaxed performances, accessibility accommodations, inclusive education programs, and partnerships with organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

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