Take Stock in Children (TSIC)
Founded in 1995 in response to the need for a scholarship program that provides more than just financial assistance to recipients, Take Stock in Children is a comprehensive program that helps underserved students stay in school, earn a high school diploma, graduate from college and enter the workforce. Enrolling students as early as the eighth grade, the program offers; a college tuition scholarship, volunteer mentors to provide support, and a case manager to support the student’s educational achievements. College and career counseling are also offered to all participants.
Students in the program sign performance contracts agreeing to get good grades, exhibit positive behavior and remain drug and crime free. If all program requirements are met, students receive a college tuition scholarship when they graduate high school!
20TH Annual Take Stock in Children Scholarship Scramble
Hosted by The Citrus Center Kiwanis Club & the Polk Education Foundation
We are sold out!
Date: Friday, December 2, 2022
Time: CHANGED TO 12:30 pm shotgun start, 11:30 am registration
Place: Eaglebrooke Golf & Country Club
1300 Eaglebrooke Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33813
Payments can be made https://polkschoolsfl.com/pef/donate/, or, at the tournament
Funds raised are used to purchase Florida Prepaid Scholarships for students in the program, and, are matched dollar-for-dollar by the FPP College Foundation!
Call 534-0519 with questions.
Fort Meade Middle/Senior
Maria Del Carmen Hernandez-Reyes
Emmanuel Jeronimo-Angeles
Janely Perez
Evelin Perez-Cruz
Victor Vazquez
Mulberry Middle
Daniela Alvarez Lagunas
Keyla Bernardez
Jazmine Longino Mosso
Felix Macedonio
Esmeralda Vazquez-Hernandez
Stambaugh Middle
Lorcine Chery
Landen Lindsey
Sebastian Lindsey
Abigayle Meadows
Carmen Ramirez
Jose Santos
Lawton Chiles Middle Academy
Kamryn Veasy
Roosevelt Academy
Diana Lopez
Union Academy
Sebastian Delanis
Italia-Franchesca Lopez
Glory Salako
Jaleisya Tucker
Become a TSIC Mentor and help students earn their scholarship!
Mentors are matched with a high school student at a school near their home or work. We ask that our mentors visit their students on the school campus only, at a time approved by the student’s teacher, each week, or every other week, for 30 minutes. Lunch is a great time for mentors to meet with their students, watch this video to see how you can “change a life over lunch”! Email Kara Franklin at kara.franklin@polk-fl.net if you would like more information on becoming a TSIC mentor or click here for the application.
Scholarship Opportunities
No scholarship opportunities currently available.
Ways to help support Take Stock in Children
Sponsor a Scholarship – You can sponsor a current Take Stock in Children student with a 2-year Florida Prepaid Scholarship (2 year Florida College Plan = 60 lower division credit hours of tuition and local fees at a Florida public college)
Class of 2022 – $3742.53, Class of 2023 – $3753.72, Class of 2024 – $3244.34, Class of 2025 – $3171.25
Sponsor a Workshop – You can give any dollar amount to help Take Stock in Children staff members host workshops for the Take Stock in Children students. This donation would be used for paying a speaker, food for the event, paper goods, incentives for attending, etc.
Hook, Line & Thinker Bass Tournament Results

1st place and Big Bass – Jason L and Traci B with 24.20 lbs and a big bass of 7.58 lbs.

2nd place – Chris E and Zach T with 15.48 lbs.
Thank you to A & E Auto Body and Atlantic Payroll for their sponsorship!


Student Success Stories
Kelly Caputo is a senior at Harrison School of the Arts. Kelly is actively involved in her school’s technical theatre program where she has excelled as the Technical Director, Master Carpenter, and Assistant Stage Manager for nine plays since 2011. Kelly is also a member of the National Honor Society. She is ranked seventh in a class of 111 students. Kelly also has over 800 community service hours. Kelly has proven to be a motivated, industrious young lady.
Kelly would like to further her education and major in neuroscience. Becoming a neurologist or neurosurgeon has been her goal since she was ten years old. That is when Kelly’s younger brother was diagnosed with autism. This sparked Kelly’s interest in the study of the human brain.
Kelly plans to give back to society by becoming a mentor to students who have the intellectual ability but are lacking financial resources to attend college. Since she has maneuvered these waters Kelly could guide students along their path to success.
Kelly knows that college will be a new challenge, but with the support she has received from her family and programs like Take Stock in Children, it is a challenge she will eagerly embrace.

Your check for $3941.00 will sponsor a deserving student like Kelly for two years at a state college!
This photo of Kelly was taken when she was awarded an Apple MacBook Pro for being chosen as a Take Stock in Children Leader 4 Life.
At three months of age, Victor Sims entered foster care in 1996, due to violence in his home foster care in 1996, due to in his home. His time in foster care can be measured in years -11- as well as families -8. Victor said the hardest part about foster care was when the families did not adopt him. He felt that he had done something wrong.
When Victor was 11, he went to live with Ron and Violet Sims. It would prove to be his last foster-care placement. Ron and Violet legally adopted Victor in 2007. Including Victor’s biological sister, Victoria adopted in 2004, the couple has a total of seven adopted children.
As he grew older, Victor began to understand the value of his 11 years in foster care. He shares, “I think God gave me all the families for a reason. One family taught me that attendance in school was important. Another family encouraged high grades. I never missed another day of school, and my grades went from C’s to A’s.”
Victor participated in National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Marine Corps JROTC, and numerous community service events while attending Polk State Collegiate High School. Victor received the 2013 Foster Club Outstanding Young Leader award for which he traveled to Washington, D.C., during National Foster Care Month. In 2014, Victor earned his high school diploma and his AA degree from Polk State College. During this time, Victor maintained the responsibilities of a shift manager at a local McDonald’s restaurant.
As a Take Stock in Children scholarship recipient, Victor is currently attending University of South Florida, St. Petersburg. He is pursuing a degree in psychology. Victor’s desire is to encourage and support children in the foster care program. Victor’s life goals include owning a McDonald’s restaurant and adopting a child.
$10,434.00 is what it takes for a student like Victor to attend two years at a state college and two years at a university.

For Current Scholarship Recipients
All graduating seniors must complete the FAFSA in order to receive
the Bright Futures scholarship, Take Stock in Children Florida Prepaid scholarship or Polk Education Foundation scholarships.
Contact:
Please call 863-534-0519 and ask for assistance about the Take Stock in Children program.
