Mentor At-Risk Youth in Pasco County, FL

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The Pasco Education Foundation's Take Stock In Children program is seeking mentors in Pasco County for the 2016-17 school year. Take Stock in Children provides scholarships, mentors, and hope to low-income, at-risk youth in 9-12th grade. Take Stock in Children in Pasco County provides scholarships and mentors for over 150 low-income students. We are partnered with Pasco County Schools to improve graduations rates & provide college & career readiness resources to income-challenged at-risk students. Up to 4-year college tuition-paid scholarships are offered to each student who successfully adheres to all requirements of program.

Mentors commit to working with a student at their school for an hour 2-4 times a month for a minimum of one school year. You meet, listen, laugh, encourage and enjoy your new friend. The role of a mentor is to provide a listening ear, valuable guidance, and academic assistance to help students experience greater success. Each mentor must be approved as a volunteer through Pasco County Schools & will receive Mentor 101 Orientation & Training prior to being introduced to student.

Mentors help each student build a foundation of basic values, set goals, and understand the importance of staying in school. By building a child's self-confidence and showing them someone cares, you can help a child reach their dreams.

As students begin to realize that someone cares, school absenteeism decreases, academic performance improves and self-esteem increases. Studies show that high-risk students with a mentor are: 46% more likely to stay drug-free 27% more likely to stay alcohol-free 62% more likely not to skip school 37% more likely to avoid violence.

Want to change a life over lunch? Become a mentor now. Contact Gina King Granger via email at ggranger@pascoeducationfoundation.org or call 813 794-2134