Facts

Pasco County middle school students, primarily 7th graders are selected for the Take Stock in Children program based on family income, parental support, good behavior, good grades, attendance, teacher recommendation, determination, goals and other factors.

Students must meet the economic eligibility guidelines established by the State of Florida for free/reduced lunch status. For school year 2006-2007 guidelines, click here.

Students must fulfill contractual obligations in order to receive the Take Stock in Children scholarship after high school graduation. Click here to view a sample contract.

Obligations include:

• Attend school on a regular basis
• Maintain a minimum of a "C" or 2.0 GPA
• Demonstrate positive behavior, in and out of school
• Meet with a volunteer mentor on a regular basis
• Remain crime and drug free
• Graduate from a Florida high school

21st Century Scholarship Fund(link to page) of Pasco County Schools eligibility requirements are the same with the addition of a demonstrated talent in the fields of math, science and/or technology.

ChairScholars eligibility requirements are the same with the addition of a documented physical disability.

State Statistics:
Since its inception in 1995 Take Stock in Children has:

• Given more than 11,000 deserving children the opportunity to succeed in life
• Awarded over $78 million in college scholarships
• Logged over 715,000 volunteer hours provided by more than 11,000 volunteers
• Received national recognition by being awarded the Excellence in Mentoring Award for Program Leadership from MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership.
• Almost 4,000 students have graduated high school with a Take Stock in Children scholarship since the first graduating class of 1999

Pasco County Take Stock in Children Student Statistics:

• In 1997, the Pasco Education Foundation, Inc. becomes the lead agency for Pasco County’s Take Stock in Children program. Twenty five 7th grade students were selected with a projected high school graduation year of 2002
• 250 students have been selected as scholars with the Pasco County Take Stock in Children program since its inception in 1997
• Success rate for high school completion for Pasco County’s Take Stock in Children is 88% compared with State of Florida statistic of 76.5%
• Out of Take Stock’s seventeen 2007 graduates, 8 are currently enrolled in a State University and 8 are enrolled in a community college. Sadly, our final graduate is deceased.
• In 2007-2008 school year Pasco County has 120 scholars in 11 high schools and 14 middle schools
• Pasco County offers middle school students who are on their school's approved free/reduced lunch list an opportunity to earn a Florida Prepaid Scholarship by fulfilling contractual obligations
• In school year 2007-2008, 44% of the 66,800 students enrolled in Pasco County schools are eligible for free / reduced lunch status

Pasco County Take Stock in Children Sponsor Statistics

• 100% of the contributions towards Take Stock in Children are applied to the student’s Florida Prepaid College Scholarship (up to 2 years tuition at a Florida public community college and 2 years tuition at a Florida public university) or vocational/technical school training
• Contributions to Take Stock in Children will be matched with State of Florida funds, thereby doubling a sponsor’s investment
• 93% of Pasco County Take Stock in Children Scholars successfully stay on track to graduate high school and use their scholarship award.