Established in 1995, the mission of Take Stock in Children (TSIC) is to empower students and their families by offering access to college scholarships, connecting them with caring volunteer mentors and providing the support and resources needed to realize their dreams of higher education and a brighter future.
Each student who enters our program signs a contract promising to remain crime and drug-free, maintain a 2.5 GPA and above, exhibit good behavior and meet with their assigned mentor regularly through high school graduation. Upon graduation, students receive a 2-year college tuition scholarship. Take Stock in Children College Success Coaches meet with students in the program each semester to ensure students have the resources they need to complete school. Student grades are tracked quarterly and immediate intervention is provided should students show signs of academic decline.
Our comprehensive services follow students through high school and include their transition into college. This program is funded through a unique public-private fundraising model, and our mentors generously volunteer their services to our children. Our Take Stock graduates have a 97% high school completion rate compared to 88% state average graduation rate. Of that, 92% of TSIC graduates enrolled in college and 70% of those graduated college.
The Take Stock in Children program is successful largely due to the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the volunteer mentors that selflessly give their time to help our students succeed. These mentors commit considerable time and energy to our students, making sure they are both academically and personally successful in their endeavors.
Give just 30 minutes twice a month to mentor a Take Stock in Children student at a nearby school. Your time and encouragement can make a lasting difference.
We select Lake & Sumter County Public School students during their 8th grade year. Students must be eligible for free or reduced lunch.
*Families will be notified of their application status by the end of April 2026.
*Eligibility does not guarantee a student will be accepted. A limited number of students are accepted.
Upon selection, scholars and their parents/guardians sign a contract agreeing to stay in school, maintain good grades, exhibit good behavior, remain crime-and drug-free, meet with their mentors twice a month and attend Take Stock workshops and events. Students are held accountable; if they violate their contracts, they will lose their scholarships.
All scholars who successfully complete the program requirements receive a two year Florida Public College tuition scholarship through the Florida Prepaid Foundation’s Project STARS program after graduating from high school.
Take Stock in Children makes a multi-year commitment to children, providing an inclusive array of services from the time they enter the program through their graduation from college or vocational school.
Each scholar in the program is assigned a College Success Coach who meets with the student and monitors his/her academic success. The Success Coaches also work closely with mentors and school personnel to ensure that each child achieves success.
Parents are responsible for supporting and encouraging their child’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.
Click the buttons below for helpful resources.
Easily schedule meetings for virtual mentor sessions, parent conferences or college readiness consultations with our College Success Coaches.
Book with Ms. Mandy for students from East Ridge, Lake Minneola, South Lake, South Sumter, Villages and Wildwood schools.
Book with Ms. Jennifer for students from Eustis, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Tavares and Umatilla schools.
The Take Stock Second-Stage Supplemental Scholarship is available to help students fund their continued education beyond initial scholarships. Take Stock in Children alumni from Lake County are invited to apply for this scholarship. It is only available to students who have successfully completed two semesters in college following their high school graduation. It is intended to help TSIC graduates with the unexpected costs of enrollment not covered by the Florida Prepaid scholarship. Applications are available during fall & spring. Learn more by clicking the button below.
