Our Formula

Take Stock in Children Helps Low-Income Children Achieve
Take Stock in Children selects children between the 6th and 9th grades who meet federal income guidelines; students are selected by committees comprised of educators, civic leaders, and business sponsors from their own communities.

College and Vocational Scholarships Provide Hope for a Better Future
Each child receives a fully paid college tuition scholarship. Students who prefer post-secondary vocational training may select a course of study at a junior college leading to a two-year technical degree.

Take Stock in Children Provides a 10-Year Road to Success
Take Stock in Children makes a multi-year commitment to children, providing a comprehensive array of services from the time they enter the program through their graduation from college or vocational school.

A Volunteer Mentor Provides Motivation and Support
Each child 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 by the Take Stock in Children local lead agency. Mentors provide tutoring, motivation, guidance, friendship, and support and are encouraged to continue their service over a multi-year period.

Student Advocate/Case Manager
Each child in the program is assigned a student advocated/case manager who meets with the student and monitors his or her academic success. Student Advocates work closely with mentors and school personal to ensure that each child achieves success.

Parental Involvement Increases the Chances of Success
Parents 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.

Close Monitoring of Student Performance Ensures Academic Achievement
Take Stock in Children monitors student performance carefully. When children do not meet the standards, Take Stock in Children develops individually tailored team interventions - called academic success plans - to address problems and ensure success.

Students and Parents Sign a Performance Contract
Upon selection, students and parents/guardians sign contracts agreeing to fulfill specific performance standards. To maintain their contracts, 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 violate their contracts, they can lose their scholarships to other children.

Take Stock in Children is Locally Operated in More than 66 Florida Counties
Take Stock in Children partners with 53 local agencies around the state. These educational foundations, community colleges, and social service organizations share the mission to ensure the success of low-income students. Local management and decision-making encourages strong leadership; promotes responsive, flexible programs; and enables Take Stock in Children to most effectively access local community services, volunteer engagement, and resources.