 
Invest in a Child
Help break the cycle of poverty and high dropout rates in Orange County – become a donor and change a child’s life forever.
Your donation to Take Stock in Children will provide a child in our community with the promise of a college scholarship and the guidance of a caring mentor. Using local donations and matched funds from the state of Florida, Valencia Foundation purchases Florida Pre-Paid Tuition plans for each student participating in Take Stock in Children of Orange County. The more donations the program receives, the more students it can help.
How It Works
 Student's Personal Commitment to Success
Self Accountability
Since 1995, more than 16,000 children in the State of Florida have been enrolled in the Take Stock in Children program. Upon selection, students and parents/guardians sign contracts agreeing to fulfill specific performance standards. To be awarded their scholarships, students must stay in school, maintain good grades, exhibit good behavior, remain crime and drug free, and meet with their mentors. Students are held accountable; if they do not fulfill our program standards, they risk losing their valuable college scholarship.
 Parental Involvement
Increasing the Chances of Success
Parents or legal guardians are responsible for supporting and encouraging their children’s academic success by:
1) developing positive relationships with teachers, mentors, school administrators, and Take Stock in Children staff, and
2) playing active roles in the educational, cultural, and school-based activities of their child.
 Motivation and Support
Volunteer Mentoring
Each child is matched with a caring adult mentor who meets with the student at his/her school. These volunteer mentors are recruited, trained, supported, monitored, and evaluated by the Take Stock in Children local programs. Mentors provide academic and behavioral motivation, guidance, friendship, support and are encouraged to continue their service over a multi-year period with their Take Stock in Children student.
 College Scholarships
Hope for a Better Future
Each child who successfully fulfills the requirements of Take Stock in Children receives a fully paid college tuition scholarship. Students who prefer post-secondary vocational training may select a vocational education option or a course of study at a community college leading to a two-year technical degree.
 Continuation of Mentoring
Increasing Likelihood of College Graduation
At Take Stock in Children, we want to ensure a successful transition into college. Starting in 2010, we will provide college transition and college retention services for our students through their freshman year of college attendance.
If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution or would like to obtain more information, please contact Elisha Gonzalez-Bonnewitz, director, Orange County Take Stock in Children, at 407-582-3120 or takestockinchildren@valenciacc.edu |
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Take Stock 
