Posted on: 11/20/2025

Take Stock in Children Expands College Opportunity Across Florida

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How Take Stock is driving college readiness, access and student success 

Since 1995, Take Stock in Children (Take Stock) has been a driving force for educational opportunity across Florida, pairing students with caring mentors, providing college scholarships, and creating the kind of consistent support that changes lives. 

While Take Stock in Children’s impact spans the entire state, Helios Education Foundation’s partnership helps deepen and elevate that work in our three focus regions: South Florida, Central Florida, and the Tampa Bay area. For nearly 20 years, Helios has invested alongside Take Stock to strengthen local programs, expand access to mentorship, and open more pathways to postsecondary success for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Take Stock in Children provides support services through a volunteer mentor, a college success coach, and college readiness workshops while mitigating financial barriers to higher education by empowering students to earn a Florida Prepaid College Foundation Project STARS scholarship.

The Take Stock program graduates are automatically enrolled in the Take Stock in College and Career program, where support continues until scholars reach degree attainment or career certification. More than 91% of Take Stock students enroll in college, compared to 52% of non-Take Stock, low-income students.

Together, Take Stock and Helios are supporting thousands of students, who might otherwise slip through the cracks, to ensure they have not only the resources to pursue college, but also the relationships and encouragement to thrive once they get there. 

Take Stock's Impact Echoes Across Communities

The outcomes tell a compelling story: Take Stock students graduate high school and enroll in college at significantly higher rates than their peers. They also benefit from a network of adults who guide them through victories, setbacks and major decisions.

But the most powerful evidence of impact comes directly from the voices of students themselves: 

Student Testimonials:

Larimar Student, Take Stock in Children Pinellas County

If there’s one thing that Take Stock in Children has taught me, it’s that there will always be support and that you don’t have to do things alone. Through this program, I have personally learned to never put myself down, because that is the first wrong step toward achieving one’s own personal goals.

Berline Student, Take Stock in Children Broward County 

Take Stock literally means the world to me. For the past couple years, I’ve had a strong support system to rely on. Take Stock has become like family. I was seen as an investment worth putting the time and effort into, despite my circumstances.

Through this program, I began to look past my obstacles and prepare for a brighter future ahead of me.

AJ Student, Take Stock in Children Orange County 

I have never been more grateful to join the Take Stock Program. My mentor’s generosity is one of the reasons why I have succeeded in life. She picked me up when I had fallen and lifted me higher when I wanted to soar. She’s like a second academic mother to me and the person I can always count on when I have questions

Gabriella Student, Take Stock in Children Hillsborough County

My mentor (Melanie J.) has had such a positive influence on my life. She made it easy to feel comfortable around her and made talking about school and goals something I would be excited for.

Her personality and support for me has continued to make me eager to continue to do well in school and never stop striving for more. She is always interested in my career choices and is helpful in finding information that is beneficial to me and what I want to do. 

Aaron Student, Take Stock in Children Pinellas County

My mentor is very helpful. He listens, helps me problem-solve, and encourages me to think critically. I enjoy spending time with him, and I’m grateful for the support.

Lazahrya Student, Take Stock in Children Orange County

Take Stock is a guide for my future that awards me the opportunity to pursue the career of my dreams.

Watch this video to learn more about Melkevia's Take Stock experience.

Take Stock in Children Spotlight: Melkevia's Story

As a high school student, Melkevia Ivey wanted to become a certified public accountant and gain experience in the field. Through Take Stock in Children's mentorship program, she met Marta Smith who supported Melkevia and helped her with these goals. 

After graduating from Take Stock and earning her CPA, Melkevia decided to return to Take Stock to become a mentor herself.

Take Stock Mentors are Changing Lives

Behind every student’s success is a mentor who gives time, encouragement and unwavering belief.

Tiffany, a Hillsborough County mentor, says the rewards are profound:

“First, seeing the positive impact I am having on my mentee during our discussions on college, life after college and tidbits on how to navigate through high school always leave me with a bigger ray of sunshine in my day. Knowing that I am helping shape, guide and encourage a future outstanding professional who will turn around and help someone as I have helped her, makes me feel I am making this world better in my own way.” 

— Tiffany, Take Stock in Children Hillsborough County

Kenny, a mentor in Orange County, urges others to get involved:

“Do it! You'll not only get a boost of happiness seeing the wide-eyed excitement and wonder from your student, but you're really impacting lives far more than you would imagine.

What you're doing has a long-lasting impact far deeper than you can ever see/experience yourself.” 

— Kenny, Take Stock in Children Orange County 

Their words echo a universal truth: mentoring doesn’t just support students; it strengthens communities.

As a statewide organization, Take Stock in Children reaches students in communities large and small, helping them navigate high school, plan for college, and chart a path toward a brighter future.