Education Foundation

Right now, a student is having a learning experience made better by the work that we do.
Investing in education now to impact our future.
One teacher can inspire the lives of many.
Innovation in and outside of the classroom.
Enhancing the quality of education for all.

The Take Stock in Children Advisory Council meets bimonthly.

Contact Us:

Call: (352) 787-6576

Fax: (352) 326-1498

Email: TSIC@lake.k12.fl.us

take stock in children

The next TSIC Advisory Council meeting will be on
Thursday, February 18, 2024, at 11:30 a.m.,
at the Leesburg Resource Center,
1041 Co Rd 468, Leesburg, FL 34748.

How It Works:

In August, Lake Sumter TSIC begins student recruitment. The number of scholarships available depends on previous year’s fundraising outcomes.

The application window for the 2023-2024 School Year is open. During the application cycle students apply online at TSICLakeSumter.AwardSpring.com. Applications are only open to current 8th grade students who meet the criteria and who believe they will benefit from the Take Stock in Children program. To get notifications about our Application Window please sign up for our interest list by clicking HERE.

In order to qualify to the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Student must demonstrate financial need per the USDA or HUD Income Guidelines and be able to provide tax documentation of such need
  • Student must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and at least a C in every class
  • Student must not have any major attendance or behavioral issues
  • Student must have a social security number
  • Student must show a desire to succeed and must be able to provide an essay and two letters of recommendation
  • Student must be enrolled in one of the following public middle schools in Lake or Sumter County:
    • Middle Schools: Aurelia M. Cole Academy, Carver, East Ridge, Eustis, Cecil S. Gray, Lake Pointe Academy, Mount Dora, Oak Park, Round Lake, Tavares, Umatilla, Windy Hill, South Sumter, The Villages Charter, or Wildwood Middle-High

The deadline to apply for the 2023-2024 School Year is January 15, 2024. Questions? Call the office at 352-787-6576.

Applications are due in:

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The 2023-2024 Scholarship Applications have now closed. Please be on the lookout for an email with additional information.
Take Stock in Children of Lake and Sumter Counties Scholarship Opportunity

Scholarships

Funds are raised and matched by the Florida Prepaid Foundation. Students receive scholarships upon graduation from a public high school.

Mentors

Mentors play a vital role in the success of our students. Each student is matched with a mentor when they join the program.

Hope

Students graduate from our program better prepared for life after high school, including the hopes of continuing their education. 

What does it mean to be a mentor?

Mentors play a vital role in the success of our students and program! Every single student is paired with a mentor.

  • Mentors are cleared through the school district, this includes fingerprinting and FDLE background checks.
  • Training is provided to all new mentors and we act as your contact for any questions, problems or concerns.
  • Weekly mentor sessions are encouraged, for at least 30 minutes each session.
  • Mentoring sessions can take place both in-person and virtually.
  • All in-person mentoring takes place on the school campus, during school hours.
  • Virtual mentoring is monitored via Take Stock staff through an online platform. 

Active mentors are invited to attend workshops, field trips, and meetings that are held throughout the year. We also stay connected with our mentors in many different ways including our Facebook group, messaging apps, monthly newsletters and more.

Mentors Still Needed

Whether you want to work one on one with a student, lend your professional expertise, or help organize an event, we can match you with a meaningful opportunity to make a positive difference for our students.  We still have students in need of mentors.  If you’re interested in helping change a young person’s life, please complete this form and we will contact you shortly.  For other volunteer opportunities, contact our office at (352) 787-6576.

Mentor meetings with student

Our Mission:

To break the cycle of poverty for low-income, academically qualified students by providing opportunities for a post-secondary education. We offer college scholarships to students, provide caring volunteer mentors, and instill hope for a better life. Our local program provides students and their families’ inspiration through mentoring, support, and scholarships by empowering them to achieve their dreams of higher education.

Take Stock Sumter Students visit UCF campus

A Special Thank You to our Sponsors:

Take Stock in Children serving Lake and Sumter Counties began by awarding scholarships to 13 area students in 1996. Today, we’ve assisted more than 700 Lake and Sumter County students with tuition scholarships. This would not be made possible without our sponsors. Interested in sponsoring a student scholarship? Contact us today!

The Williams Fund       The M. Austin Davis Foundation