Take Stock in Children—Scholarships, Mentors and Hope

• 120 Take Stock in Children recipients are students in Marion County high schools.
• 170 TSIC graduates are now enrolled in a Florida college or university. 
• The Foundation recently welcomed 38 new students into the program.    

The TSIC Success Story:  The Public Education Foundation is proud to report a 96% success rate in keeping students on track to earn their high school diploma.  Additionally, over  90% of the recipients attend college.  These TSIC scholars, who enter the program in the 8th grade, go on to work for some great industries.  We have students who became Marion County teachers, served in the U.S. military and worked for the Florida Department of Education.

Guiding the Future with Mentors:
Take Stock in Children students are matched with a caring adult mentor who meets with them one hour per week at their student's school.

Mentoring is the key to the success of Take Stock in Children program.  Research proves that if a teenager is mentored, their chances of becoming a high school drop-out are cut by 52%.

Take Stock in Children mentors commit their time to students throughout the duration of their middle and high school career. These mentors provide motivation, guidance, friendship and support to ensure the child’s success in school and life.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor please contact Mary Fred Clemmons at 352-369-2173.

Take Stock In Children Opportunites:

Ambassador Program

The Ambassador Program is for current TSIC students to promote leadership among their peers through student outreach, community involvement and overall student excellence.  The Ambassadors attend monthly meetings at the Foundation office where they discuss current happenings in the program, work on public speaking skills and vote to pick a student of the month at their schools.

We are always looking for local community resources to provide an opportunity for student involvement.  This past year, seven of our Ambassadors attended the Leadership Conference at Central Florida Community College.

Scholar Dollar Auction

Throughout the year, Take Stock In Children students are rewarded with scholar dollars by keeping up their grades and meeting the program requirements.  To say "keep up the good work", the Foundation hosts Scholar Dollar Auction, where students used their accumulated "scholar dollars" to bid on great items donated by community businesses. 

Rally In Tally

Each year Take Stock In Children students experience the program on a state-wide level.  While in Tallahassee, they get a chance to meet the Governor and other Florida legislators, tour the capital and spend the day with TSIC students from other cities.

College Tours

Throughout the year, the staff take students to various campuses to expose them to the college atmosphere.  They travel to Florida State University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Central Florida Community College, and the University of Florida.

Senior Recognition Night

Each year, TSIC high school seniors are invited to attend a banquet in their honor.  During this special ceremony,  the students are recognized and congratulated on their accomplishments, then a motivational speaker provides inspiration and excitement towards the next phase of their journey.

Leadership Camp

Leadership Camp is another wonderful event which allows us to connect with TSIC students.  We host an annual two-day overnight camp where every child identifies their leadership strengths and sharpens their team building skills.

This year we handed the reins over to the Ambassadors, who chose the theme and activities.  At Sheriffs' Youth Camp, the students challenged themselves and used teamwork to navigate through the "Ropes" course elements.