Mission Statement
Our MISSION Our mission is to break the cycle of poverty for low-income, academically qualified students by providing opportunities for a post-secondary education. We offer college scholarships to students, provide caring volunteer mentors, and instill hope for a better life. Our comprehensive services begin in middle school, continue through high school, follow the students’ transition into college, and culminate in post-college employment. Our VISION Take Stock in Children of Nassau County, Inc., in partnership with the Nassau County School District, will be recognized as the leading non-profit community organization focusing on student success for academically promising, low-income students from middle school through college and into successful employment. This vision will be achieved by engaging participants in comprehensive support services including but not limited to mentoring, academic support, family involvement, positive mental health strategies, and ongoing life skills.
Description
Take Stock in Children is a scholarship and mentoring program that offers academically promising Nassau County students from low-income families (TSIC uses the same guidelines as the Federal Free/Reduced program) the opportunity to earn tuition scholarships to college or vocational school upon graduation.
Students sign an agreement pledging to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, stay drug- and crime-free, exhibit good behavior in school, and have good school attendance. Each student is matched with a volunteer mentor who meets with the student once a week at school, serving as an adult friend and role model.
Take Stock staff includes College Success Coaches who meet with their students periodically, monitor their grades, attendance, behavior and provide assistance to the students and their families should the need arise.
A statewide study has shown that Take Stock's students have a 14% better high school graduation rate than the Florida average and a 31% higher rate than their at-risk peer group. They also have a 33% higher college graduation rate than the Florida average and a 41% higher rate than their at-risk peer group. (A statewide study 2011 Florida Legislature)
Public and private support helps Take Stock to break the cycle of poverty and help worthy Nassau County Students achieve their dreams.
