The Monroe County Education Foundation has accepted 100 new students who have applied for the Take Stock in Children scholarship program. This marks a record number of new students in the program’s history. It is also a significant milestone that represents an investment of nearly $2 million in Florida Prepaid scholarships, which provides these students with the opportunity to pursue their dream of going to college.
Many of the 100 new scholars, ranging from grades 6 to 11 and representing 13 county schools, are waiting to be matched with a volunteer mentor. “We have reviewed over 150 applications and are ready to welcome 100 eligible students into the Take Stock program,” said Chuck Licis-Masson, executive director of the Monroe County Education Foundation. “However, nearly 40 of the eligible and accepted students are unable to enter the program due to a mentor shortage.” Mentors are especially needed in the Lower Keys.
Volunteer mentors commit 30 minutes each week during the school day to meet with their Take Stock student at school. Mentors are not tutors, ATMs or Ubers; rather, they are caring adults who help guide and empower the student to engage in school, to set college and career goals, and to acquire important life-skills.
“We need volunteers from our communities, now more than ever, to help make the possibility of a college education and career path a reality for our most deserving students in Monroe County,” said Bryan Green, president of the Monroe County Education Foundation. “Our program’s success is attributed to the unwavering support of our dedicated community volunteers as well as of our financial supporters.”
Take Stock mentors come from public and private institutions and local businesses, and include retired professionals. Mentors play a vital role in guiding and empowering the Take Stock scholars.
The Take Stock in Children program of Monroe County is dedicated to fostering personal growth, developing self-confidence and building self-advocacy skills among its scholars as they strive to reach their goal of a college education or career certificate. By providing them with the necessary tools and resources, the program aims to empower students to overcome any obstacles they may encounter on their educational journey.
More information is available from Licis-Masson at Chuck.Licis@monroecountyedfound.com or 305-293-1546.
About Take Stock in Children Monroe:
Take Stock in Children Monroe is committed to providing deserving students in Monroe County with the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty through education. By pairing students with mentors, providing college scholarships and supporting them throughout their academic journey, Take Stock in Children Monroe empowers students to achieve their full potential and become the leaders of tomorrow. Take Stock Monroe is the flagship program of the Monroe County Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization.More information is at www.monroecountyedfound.com.
