Photo: Karla of Take Stock in Children of Lake & Sumter Counties is a 2023 recipient of the Take Stock-Suncoast Housing Scholarship Award
Ft. Lauderdale, FL – November 8, 2024 – Take Stock in Children is thrilled to announce a generous $60,000 grant from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. This funding will directly support Take Stock’s mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation for their continued support,” said Jillian Hasner, President and CEO of Take Stock in Children of Florida. “Their generosity ensures that the critical mentoring, college prep, and wraparound services continue to be available to students throughout Florida who envision a brighter future for themselves. For many of our students, the cost of housing can be a deal breaker in terms of whether they are able to go to college. We’re also excited to continue to offer Suncoast Housing Scholarships for a third year to another 10 deserving college students so they can live on campus!”
Take Stock in Children pairs low-income, academically promising students with volunteer mentors who provide guidance, support, and encouragement throughout their academic journey. The program also offers college preparation workshops, an opportunity to earn a postsecondary scholarship, and postsecondary completion support.
“At Suncoast Credit Union, we believe that education is a powerful tool for transforming lives and breaking the cycle of poverty,” said Melva McKay-Bass, Chief Community Development Officer of Suncoast Credit Union. “We are proud to support Take Stock in Children with this $60,000 grant, which will empower students to achieve their educational goals and create brighter futures. By working together, we can create meaningful change in the lives of young people in our community and pave the way for their success through education.”
Since its inception, Take Stock in Children has helped over 42,000 low-income students achieve their dreams of graduating from college or attaining career certification and breaking the cycle of poverty.
About Take Stock in Children of Florida
Since 1995, Take Stock in Children, a Florida 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has helped to break the cycle of poverty for over 42,000 of Florida’s low-income, at-risk youth by providing scholarships, mentors, and hope. Consistently achieving high school graduation rates that exceed the state average, Take Stock in Children is Florida’s flagship and most successful mentoring and scholarship program. To donate, volunteer, or learn about Take Stock in Children, please visit www.takestockinchildren.org.
About Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $18.7 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 78 full-service branches and serves more than 1.2 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $45 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Media Contact: Beth Long, Director of Development, Take Stock in Children, blong@tsic.org, 786-369-5145