Take Stock in Children is a comprehensive program designed to fight two of the most critical problems facing Florida and Osceola County – high drop-out and youth crime rates.

By providing low-income children with college and vocational tuition scholarships, volunteer mentors, student advocates/case managers, early intervention and long-term support, Take Stock in Children has achieved tremendous success in helping students stay out of trouble, graduate from high school, attend college and become thriving citizens.

In Osceola County, Take Stock in Children students are selected in the 6th grade as participants of our program by committees comprised of staff, educators, mentors, civic leaders and business sponsors. First, application notices are sent to the home of every sixth grade student. In order to be considered, students must demonstrate financial need by qualifying for the free or reduced lunch program. In fact, proof of income must accompany the application when it is returned. Following an application and interview process, selected scholars are asked to commit themselves whole-heartedly to the program by signing performance contracts. In the Spring of 2007, 15 new students were selected to enter our program.

In signing their contracts, students agree to maintain good grades, exhibit positive behavior, remain crime- and drug-free and meet with their mentors once per week. In return for their hard work and academic performance, Take Stock scholars earn a 2 + 2 scholarship (2 years at a community college + 2 years at a state funded university; or 2 years to vocational/ technical school). Moreover, students are held accountable; those who violate their contract lose their scholarship to another deserving child.               

To aid in their success, each Take Stock in Children scholar is assigned a concerned adult mentor who meets with the student at his or her school for at least 30 minutes a week. These dedicated volunteers make at least a one-year commitment, participate in a training program and, of course, undergo Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigations background checks. Additionally, mentors are provided opportunities for ongoing learning and support. Mentors are an essential element of Take Stock’s program as they provide motivation, tutoring, guidance, friendship and support.

Of course, parental encouragement and involvement are also essential; all parents sign contracts agreeing to facilitate their child’s involvement in the program.

Take Stock in Children, a public-private partnership between state government, businesses, school systems, civic and religious organizations and private citizens, provides a way for any citizen, business or organization to change the life of a deserving child by serving as a mentor or by contributing to one or more students’ scholarships.

TSIC- Osceola is a program of the Education Foundation ~ Osceola County in partnership with the School District of Osceola County.