How It Works

Self Accountability

Upon selection, students and parents/guardians sign contracts agreeing to fulfill specific performance standards. To be awarded their scholarships, students must stay in school, maintain good grades, exhibit good behavior, remain crime and drug free, and meet with their mentors once a week. Students are held accountable; if they do not fulfill our program standards, they risk losing their valuable college scholarship.

Increasing the Chances of Success

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for supporting and encouraging their children’s academic success by:

1) developing positive relationships with teachers, mentors, school administrators, and Take Stock in Children staff, and

2) playing active roles in the educational, cultural, and school-based activities of their child.

Volunteer Mentoring

Each student is matched with a caring adult mentor who meets with the student at his/her school for an hour each week. These volunteer mentors are recruited, trained, supported, monitored, and evaluated. Mentors provide academic and behavioral motivation, guidance, friendship, support and are encouraged to continue their service over a multi-year period with their Take Stock in Children student.

Student Advocates/Case Managers

Each child in the program is assigned a student advocate who meets with the student and provides assistance and program support to ensure his or her academic success. Student advocates work closely with mentors and school personnel to confirm that each child is achieving continued success.

Hope for a Better Future

Each child who successfully fulfills the requirements of Take Stock in Children receives a 2+2 Florida Prepaid college tuition scholarship. Students who prefer post-secondary vocational training may select a vocational education option or a course of study at a community college leading to a two-year technical degree.

Increasing Likelihood of College Graduation

At Take Stock in Children, we want to ensure a successful transition into college. Starting in 2010, we will partner with local colleges to assist us in providing college transition and college retention services for our students.