What is Take Stock in Children?
Take Stock in Children (TSIC) is a scholarship and mentoring program that helps low-income, at-risk students break the cycle of poverty by graduating from high school and receiving a college degree.
Local middle and high public school students are invited to apply for TSIC, provided that they qualify for free or reduced lunch, have at least a 2.5 GPA. Once selected for TSIC, the students sign a contract stating that they will maintain their grades, adhere to school attendance and behavior standards, and stay drug and crime-free throughout middle and high school. The students also receive a volunteer mentor with whom they are required to meet at their school on a weekly basis. TSIC works with the guidance counselors at each middle and high school to monitor the students, and currently employs three Student Advocates whose sole job is to follow-up with and form relationships with the students. Upon high school graduation, if the student has fulfilled the points of the TSIC contract, they receive a 2-year college scholarship.
How you can help!
Mentors are a critical component to the success of Take Stock in Children. Mentors serve as positive role-models, advocates, coaches and friends. As a Take Stock Mentor you meet weekly with your scholar at their school and have an opportunity to help a child reach their goal of a college education. We are currently seeking new mentors for our newest class of Take Stock in Children. Click here to learn more about being a mentor, or begin filling out the mentor application here.
Help Fund A Scholarship
Take Stock Scholarships are Florida Prepaid 2-Year Florida College Scholarships, which will pay for 60 credit hours of tuition and fees at any of the 28 Florida Colleges, but can be used at any public institution in the state of Florida to obtain a college or vocational education. Scholarships are purchased through the Florida Prepaid Foundation and cost approximately $8,000. They are funded half ($4,000) by private sector contributions to The Education Foundation and half ($4,000) through matching funds available through the State of Florida. If you would like to contribute to Take Stock in Children, please click here.