Our Mission

To break the cycle of poverty for students who qualify financially and academically by providing opportunities

for post-secondary education. We offer college scholarships to students, provide caring volunteer mentors,

and instill hope for a better life. Our local program provides students and their families with inspiration through mentoring, support, and scholarships by empowering them to achieve their dreams of higher education.

Our application is for 8th-grade ONLY students for the

school year of 2024-2025 will re-open

August 1, 2024 - February 15, 2025

Our school year 2024 - 2025 application will open on August 1, 2024- February 15, 2025

During the application cycle students apply online. Applications are only open to current school year 8th-grade public

Lake or Sumter County school students who meet the criteria and who believe they will benefit from the Take Stock in Children program.

To qualify the student must meet the following criteria:

Students must demonstrate financial need per the USDA or HUD Income Guidelines and be able to provide tax documentation of such need.
Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and at least a C in every class.
Students must not have any major attendance or behavioral issues.
Students must have a social security number.
Students must show a desire to succeed and must be able to provide an essay and two letters of recommendation.
Students must be enrolled in one of the following public middle schools in Lake or Sumter County:
- Middle Schools: Aurelia M. Cole Academy, Carver, East Ridge, Eustis, Cecil S. Gray, Lake Pointe Academy, Mount Dora, Oak Park, Round Lake, Tavares, Umatilla, Spring Creek, Windy Hill, South Sumter, The Villages Charter or Wildwood Middle-High

8th graders Apply Online Here

The deadline to apply for the 2024-2025 School Year is February 15, 2025. Questions? Call the office at 352-787-6576.

Take Stock Mentors

Mentors play a vital role in the success of our students and program! Every single student is paired with a mentor.

Mentors are cleared through the school district, this includes fingerprinting and FDLE background checks.
Training is provided to all new mentors and we act as your contact for any questions, problems or concerns.
Weekly mentor sessions are encouraged, for at least 30 minutes each session.
Mentoring sessions can take place both in-person and virtually.
All in-person mentoring takes place on the school campus, during school hours.
Virtual mentoring is monitored via Take Stock staff through an online platform.

Active mentors are invited to attend workshops, field trips, and meetings held throughout the year. We also stay connected with our mentors in many ways, including our Facebook group, messaging apps, monthly newsletters, etc.

Ready to Join our Team of Mentors?

Whether you want to work one-on-one with a student, lend your professional expertise, or help organize an event, we can match you with a meaningful opportunity to make a positive difference for our students. We still have students in need of mentors. If you’re interested in helping change a young person’s life, please complete this form and we will contact you shortly. Contact our office at (352) 787-6576 for other volunteer opportunities. Or if you are ready to complete the mentor application please click here to access the online application by clicking here.