Summary of Services
- Academic support and coaching, which includes tutoring, goal-setting, and guidance for high school and college readiness
- College Scholarships, which cover 60 college credit hours at any Florida college or technical school
- Offers skill development, scholarship guidance, and career readiness resources
- Leaders for Life (L4L), a competitive fellowship for high-achieving TSIC scholars, provides funding for housing, books, computers, and other college essentials
- Mentorship Program for At-Risk Male Students (MPARMS), which is explicitly designed to support and uplift at-risk young men and includes mentorship, workshops, academic support, and scholarship eligibility
- An alum program, that encourages former TSIC scholars to mentor new students
Mentorship and Scholarship Opportunities for Students
Founded in 1995, Take Stock in Children (TSIC) is a statewide nonprofit organization committed to reducing poverty and increasing educational opportunities through long-term mentorship, academic support, and scholarship funding. What began as a program serving just 500 students has since grown to impact over 41,000 students across Florida, including many in St. Johns County.
With a mission to transform lives one student at a time, TSIC works closely with local partners like Investing in Kids (INK!) to deliver life-changing services.
College and Fellowship Programs That Make Higher Education Accessible
One of TSIC’s core initiatives is its College and Career Program, which supports first-generation high school and college students. This program focuses on preparing students for academic and professional success by offering life skills training, college readiness coaching, and scholarship opportunities to reduce financial barriers. In partnership with INK!, students in St. Johns County who qualify for the program can receive a prepaid scholarship covering 60 college credit hours at any Florida college or technical school. For application details, students and families can contact James Wheeler at james.wheeler@stjohns.k12.fl.us or call (904) 547-7121.
TSIC also offers the prestigious Leaders for Life (L4L) Fellowship Program, created in partnership with the Asofsky Family Foundation. This highly competitive fellowship is designed for students who demonstrate strong leadership, academic excellence, and resilience in the face of adversity. Selected students receive extensive support throughout their college journey, including funding for housing, computers, textbooks, and other essentials.
In addition to financial assistance, the program provides leadership development, career mentorship, and internship opportunities. L4L Fellows have gone on to work with major organizations like Google, Bank of America, Chevron, Universal Studios, Wells Fargo, and many more.
To address the specific needs of underserved young men, TSIC developed the Mentorship Program for At-Risk Male Students (MPARMS). This initiative empowers male students who face heightened academic and social challenges. Through consistent mentorship and guided support, participants gain access to tutoring, life skills workshops, career exploration, and college preparation.
Students in this program are eligible for scholarships by maintaining good grades, staying drug- and crime-free, participating in structured activities, and meeting regularly with their mentors.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders Through Its Alumni Network
TSIC also encourages lifelong engagement through its Alumni Program, which empowers graduates to support and mentor future TSIC participants. Alums are invited to give back by sharing their experiences, offering guidance, and continuing to inspire the next generation of scholars.