Take Stock in Children

Founded in 1995 in response to the need for a scholarship program that provides more than just financial assistance to recipients, Take Stock in Children is a comprehensive program that helps underserved students stay in school, earn a high school diploma, graduate from college and enter the workforce. Enrolling students as early as the eighth grade, the program offers; a college tuition scholarship, volunteer mentors to provide support, and a case manager to support the student's educational achievements. College and career counseling are also offered to all participants.

Students in the program sign performance contracts agreeing to get good grades, exhibit positive behavior and remain drug and crime free. If all program requirements are met, students receive a college tuition scholarship when they graduate high school!

BECOME A TSIC MENTOR AND HELP STUDENTS EARN THEIR SCHOLARSHIP!

Take Stock Polk County is looking for qualified mentors to help guide our high school Take Stock scholars!

• Dedicate 30 minutes, twice a month to meet with a high school student who has the odds stacked against them
• Encourage a student to pledge to maintain good grades and GPA, maintain good attendance, and remain crime and drug free
• Inspire a student to earn a college scholarship by graduating high school and staying true to their pledge

To become a Take Stock mentor:

• Complete the Mentor Application
• Complete the New Mentor Training video
• Pass a Level 2 Background Check
• Be matched with a Polk County high school student 

Thanks a MILLION to our 23rd Annual Take Stock in Children Golf Scholarship Scramble Sponsors!

With a sold-out tournament featuring 40 teams, the Polk Education Foundation and Citrus Center Kiwanis Club raised funds to achieve ONE MILLION dollars for the life Scholarship Scramble. Funds raised benefit the Take Stock in Children program and help us afford the opportunity to purchase 2-year Florida Prepaid Scholarships through Project STARS for each one of our Take Stock Scholars. Thank you again to Cleveland Heights Golf Course, our incredible sponsors, the Citrus Center Kiwanis Club, and volunteers for helping make the tournament a success!

Thank you to our Scholarship Scramble Sponsors!

Congrats to our Take Stock Scholars Class of 2026!

Alumni in action

Faria Rasul

Faria Rasul distinguished herself as a driven and service‑minded student, taking on leadership roles across campus and in the community. She served as Secretary of the Student Government Association, President of Students Working Against Tobacco, and President of HOSA, while also being an active member of the National Honor Society and the Honors Program. Her dedication earned recognition as a Silver Garland Award Nominee in Math and a recipient of the Bailey Family Foundation Scholarship. Beyond academics, she volunteered with kidsPack and gained hands‑on medical experience as a ScribeAmerica Medical Scribe. As a Take Stock in Children graduate, she continues to embody the spirit of service: “I am continuously volunteering in my community and wherever I can. I always try my best to give back however I can whether that is helping someone in need or finding a way to serve my community.”

T.J. Wright

T.J. Wright’s path reflects steady growth, community commitment, and the impact of mentorship. As a Take Stock in Children student, his mentor played a meaningful role in helping him see college as an attainable and worthwhile next step. After early involvement in youth programs, including summer camps and the First Tee of Lakeland, he began his YMCA career in 2018 as a Program Coordinator with the YMCA of West Central Florida. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2021 and his master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership in 2023 from Southeastern University. Over the years, he advanced through several leadership roles at the YMCA, serving as Program Coordinator, Senior Program Coordinator, Executive Director, Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer before being named Chief Executive Officer in May 2025. Today, T.J. continues his commitment to youth development and community impact, and in a full circle moment, he now serves as a Take Stock in Children mentor, offering the same encouragement that once shaped his own educational journey.

Contact:

Take Stock in Children Polk County affiliate staff