Take Stock in Children Miami-Dade

Take Stock in Children was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization in Florida that provides a unique opportunity for deserving low-income youth/students, many from minority families, to escape the cycle of poverty through education. We offer our students college scholarships, caring volunteer mentors and hope for a better life. Our comprehensive services start in middle school, continue through high school and include their transition into college.

Low-income and minority children face insurmountable obstacles that make finishing high school difficult and going to college almost impossible. Nearly half of Florida's children living in poverty are minorities, and are being raised in environments that put them at risk for falling victim to the dangerous cycles of substance abuse, violence and gang activity. Often times these children are overlooked and under served. They do not have the resources offered to their peers from higher socioeconomic levels to complete their education. Take Stock in Children is committed to solving the drop-out crisis in Florida.

Take Stock in Children is active in over 800 schools throughout the State of Florida. Students are selected between the 6th and 9th grades, many from minority families, and must meet our low-income and at-risk guidelines. Students are selected in their local communities by highly engaged committees that are comprised of education and civic leaders, as well as corporate sponsors. Take Stock in Children partners with community education foundations, community colleges and school districts throughout the State of Florida to deliver our program services to students. Our mentees are 34% African American, 26% Hispanic, 39% Caucasian and 3% Asian American.

How the program works

1

Student’s personal commitment to success

Self accountability

Upon selection, students and parents/guardians sign contracts agreeing to fulfill specific performance standards. To be awarded their scholarships, students must stay in school, maintain good grades , exhibit good behavior, remain crime and drug free, and meet with their mentors once a week.

2

Parental involvement

Increasing the chances of success

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for supporting and encouraging their children’s academic success by developing positive relationships with teachers, mentors, school administrators, and Take Stock in Children staff, and playing active roles in the educational, cultural, and school-based activities of their child.

3

Motivation and support

Volunteer mentoring

Each child is matched with a caring adult mentor who meets with the student at his/her school for an hour each week.

4

Academic assistance

Student advocates/case managers

Each child in the program is assigned a student advocate/case manager who meets with the student and provides assistances and program support to ensure his/her academic success.

5

College scholarships

Hope for a better future

Each child who successfully fulfills the requirements of Take Stock in Children receives a fully paid college-tuition scholarship.

6

Continuation of mentoring

Increasing Likelihood of college graduation

At Take Stock in Children, we want to ensure a successful preparation and transition into college. We provide college preparation, transition and retention services for our students from middle school through their freshman year of college.