Take Stock in College and Career Student Ambassadors Christina Beaver, Melissa Baxcajay, and McKenzie Simon

What’s Next? Navigating College Transitions as a Transfer, Senior, and Continuing Ed. Student

One question that college students may look forward to or dread is “what’s next?”. The Take Stock in College and Career program equips our college scholars with a continuum of support and resources for the next steps in their academic journey and professional development. Since every student’s college journey is different, this episode of the …

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2025 Leaders 4 Life fellow Mithila "Mia" Paul

Leaders 4 Life: Mithila “Mia” Paul: Future Occupational Therapist Blending STEM, Art, and Compassion

Mithila “Mia” Paul’s story begins with a foundation built by her parents, who immigrated to the United States from Bangladesh. They instilled in her a deep love for learning—but even more importantly, a love for humankind. “My parents honed in the importance of kindness to others in a world surrounded by unkind people,” Mia reflects. …

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Take Stock Seminole County staff with Cheryl Blakeney, TSIC Mentor of the Year, with TSIC CEO Jillian Hasner

The Vital Role of a Mentor

Our 2025 Take Stock in Children Mentor of the Year, Cheryl Blakeney, has always been interested in mathematics and helping others. Both passions exponentially grew when Cheryl, also known as “Mrs. B,” joined the Take Stock in Children of Seminole County program in 2001. For nearly 24 years, Cheryl has been a committed volunteer mentor, helping students …

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Take Stock 2025 Leader 4 Life fellow Sophie Beltran

Leaders 4 Life: Crochet, Creativity, and Conservation: Sophie Beltran’s Path to Success

Meet Sophie Beltran, a determined and passionate senior from Riverview High School in Sarasota County. Sophie’s academic journey has been nothing short of impressive, earning a 3.88 GPA while enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. Her dedication to her studies and extracurricular activities has set the foundation for a bright future, one that’s deeply …

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Take Stock Flagler County student Lindcoln with mentor

How After-School Tutoring and Mentorship Transformed One Student’s Confidence

Every student faces challenges, but how they respond to those obstacles truly shapes their success. Take Stock Flagler County student Lindcoln J., who struggled with math during the first quarter, faced a significant hurdle. Despite his best efforts, he found the concepts difficult to grasp. However, his story didn’t end in frustration. Lindcoln could find …

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Leaders 4 Life 2025 fellow Mercinda Cabrera

Leaders 4 Life: Mercinda Cabrera: How Music Shapes Leadership and Success for This Future Educator

Mercinda Cabrera, is a standout student of the Take Stock in Children program operated by the Public Education Foundation of Marion County. With an impressive 3.98 GPA, the graduating senior is not only excelling academically but also making a mark as a leader in her school and community. Mercinda balances time as a dually enrolled …

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Keiya Johnson: Shaping the Future of STEM and Nuclear Engineering

We are thrilled to celebrate Keiya Johnson, one of our seven fellows in the Take Stock Leaders 4 Life program’s 2025 cohort. Representing the Take Stock in Children of Broward County program, Keiya’s exceptional academic achievements and dedication to empowering others exemplify the qualities of a true leader. Academic Excellence and Leadership Keiya’s impressive 4.0 …

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2023 Take Stock Alumni of the Year Mike Mills with wife, Lauren Mills, with Diana Scroggie and Meghan Magamoll of PEFMC

Take Stock Alumni Going the Extra Mile to Give Back Feat. Mike Mills, 2023 Take Stock Alumni of the Year

Many of our Take Stock alumni can pinpoint that one person in their lives who inspires what they do today. For Mike Mills, a 2006 alum from the Take Stock in Children program in Marion County, it was his mentor, Kevin Christian. Kevin’s care and investment in Mike’s success in academics and life skills helped …

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Tim Moore, Associate Director of Career Education for the CDCE at the University of West Florida

Finding Career Success in 2-year and 4-year Degree Pathways

We talked with Tim Moore, Associate Director of Career Education at the University of West Florida, about the benefits and differences between 2-year and 4-year degree pathways, plus career tips for college scholars. Learn more about UWF’s Career Development and Community Engagement (CDCE) here Topics covered in this episode: Career pathways with 2-year vs. 4-year degrees …

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