Scholarships. Mentors. Hope.

Take Stock in Children (TSIC) breaks the cycle of poverty by identifying high-achieving, low-income public-school students with college potential and offering holistic support. Students can expect to explore endless opportunities with the Hillsborough Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children program, designed to support their journey towards a brighter future.

Student Eligibility

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

• Must be in 6th, 7th, 8th or 9th grade
• Must be enrolled in a Hillsborough County Public School
• Must financially qualify. Family income eligibility guidelines are here.
• Must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5

Students who meet these requirements are encouraged to complete an application. After preliminary application screenings, eligible students will be selected for an interview with the Hillsborough Education Foundation. After a thorough review by our scholarship selection committee, promising candidates will be invited to become a Take Stock in Children Scholar.

Committing to Success

Take Stock in Children scholars sign a contract promising to remain crime- and drug-free, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, exhibit good behavior, and meet with their assigned mentor regularly. Upon graduation, students receive a two-year college tuition scholarship. Take Stock in Children staff members meet with students in the program each semester to ensure they have the resources needed to complete school. Student grades are tracked quarterly, and immediate intervention is provided if students show signs of academic decline.

Upon meeting the program requirements and graduating from high school, students will receive a minimum of a two-year Florida Prepaid Scholarship

About the Florida Prepaid Scholarship

All students in our mentoring program have the opportunity to earn a Florida Prepaid Scholarship, provided they 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 students motivated and eager to excel.

“The biggest impact my mentor had [on me] was making sure I had the right career choice in mind.  She knew my strengths. She knew that they correlated more with Engineering, rather than Architecture, which was my first choice. Looking at the coursework, I started to realize that she was right.

“In 5 years, I expect to be a civil engineer. That’s the goal for me.”

Henry, Take Stock in Children Student

The Take Stock Story

Have questions? Please contact:

Kayla Zambito
Director of Take Stock in Children & Student Services Coordinator
kzambito@educationfoundation.com
(813) 574-0267