The application window is closed for the 2023-2024 school year.

Applications for HEF’s Take Stock in Children mentoring program will be evaluated over the summer. Students can expect an update on their application status in July 2023.

If you have questions about your application, please contact Mia Wuster at [email protected] or (813) 574-0271.

If you could choose any job, what would you want to do? Use your imagination… because our mentoring program can help your dreams become reality.

No matter what interests you, you have the potential to fulfill your goals and excel in a career.

Through Hillsborough Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children mentoring and scholarship program, you can create a path that leads you toward a bright future filled with endless opportunities. We offer this mentoring program because you deserve to feel supported in realizing your dreams.

What it Means to be a Take Stock in Children Scholar

As a student in our program, you will attend an induction ceremony (may be virtual) and take a pledge of commitment to stay in school, maintain good grades and make positive life choices throughout the remainder of your high school years. We want you to stay motivated and engaged to get the most out of your education.

You will be paired with a Hillsborough Education Foundation College Success Coach during the school year who will help keep you on the path to academic success. You will also be matched with an adult mentor who you will meet with at least twice a month (preferably weekly) to provide you with guidance and support.

Once you have met the program requirements and graduate from high school, you will receive a minimum of a 2-year Florida Prepaid Scholarship.

Your Florida Prepaid Scholarship

Every student in our mentoring program has the opportunity to earn a Florida Prepaid Scholarship–on the condition that you meet our program’s requirements. Obtaining this scholarship is a long-term goal that is achieved through years of hard work. We hope with our program’s support, the opportunity to go to college will help keep you motivated and eager to excel!

How to Apply (The next application window will be in the spring of 2024)

Take Stock in Children Scholarships are only available to students who meet standard criteria set by Florida’s Take Stock in Children Program. To apply for the program, students:

• Must be in 7th or 8th grade
• Must be enrolled in a Hillsborough County Public School
• Must financially qualify
• Must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5

Students who meet these requirements may apply online during open application periods. After preliminary application screenings, the highest scoring students will be selected for an interview with Hillsborough Education Foundation. Students who are considered to be promising candidates for our mentoring program will be invited to become a Take Stock in Children Scholar.

Application Process

• Complete an online application that will include essay questions
• Submit a copy of a tax return 1040 Form (to help verify financial need) and a copy of your Social Security card (for proof of citizenship or legal residency status) with your application
• Participate in an interview, if you’re selected to move forward in the process

A copy of a 2022 tax return Form 1040 must be submitted with the application. The student applicant must be listed as a dependent on the tax return in order to be eligible for consideration. If you have not filed taxes for 2022 yet, you may submit a 2021 tax return in order for the application to be considered. However, students cannot be admitted to the program without the 2022 tax return Form 1040, which can be collected later in the year.