“Andrew is a sophomore at Bay High School. Andrew self-describes as shy but bright, and he enjoys weightlifting and playing basketball. As soon as Andrew turns 15, he wants to get a job because money is very tight in his home, where he lives with his mother (who suffers a chronic illness) and his pre-K age sister. His father is currently incarcerated. Andrew wants to pursue a career in engineering, but he told us he wants to get “all the degrees.” His mom inspires him to work hard. Andrew is a second-year scholar with the Take Stock program.”
Andrew and several other students are waiting for a mentor to help them navigate the high school journey and beyond!
About Take Stock in Children
Take Stock in Children, offered through Bay Education Foundation, helps low-income students break the cycle of poverty through education. Students receive caring mentors, support through high school, and a Florida Prepaid college scholarship upon completion. Students must keep good grades, model positive behavior, and remain drug- and crime-free.
What is a Mentor?
A Take Stock mentor is a community volunteer who guides and encourages a Bay District Schools high school student.
What Do Mentors Do?
Mentors meet with students twice a month at school (often over lunch) for 30 minutes. Sessions can also be virtual via the Take Stock app.
Time Commitment
Two sessions per month during the school year. More if you choose!
How to Get Started
- Complete the application
- Watch a 25-minute training video
- Attend an orientation or meet with our supportive staff.
- Change a life over lunch!
TSIC HIGH SCHOOL ADVOCATES
Jamie Campbell – Arnold High School
Elizabeth Mapoles – Bay High School
Angel Kent – Bozeman High School
Karen Johnson – Mosley High School
Crystal Woodford – North Bay Haven
TBD – Palm Bay Prep
Ashley Myatt – Rutherford High School
TAKE STOCK ADMINISTRATORS
Aimee Bright
Executive Director
Rachel Chima
Student Success Coordinator, College Readiness Coach
Patti Suggs
Data Specialist
Take Stock Student Applications
Please reach out to Rachel Chima for more information regarding student applications to participate in the Take Stock in Children program.
Rachel Chima: chimarj@bay.k12.fl.us
Student Eligibility:
- Desire to be mentored
- Have great attendance
- Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Have great behavior
- Prove financial need: Families must financially qualify & be willing to provide documentation of income. See below for specific Financial Information
All students must qualify under at least one of the options outlined below:
(1) Free and Reduced Lunch program / USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines Chart
(2) HUD Documentation / HUD Income Eligibility by County Guidelines Chart
(3) Medicaid Recipient Documentation
(4) SNAP or TANF Recipient Documentation
(5) Other (see list below)
(1) Qualified applicants must be a recipient of the Free and Reduced Lunch program and meet the income eligibility guidelines published annually by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Guidelines Announced for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals and Milk Programs), included as part of this Take Stock Income Eligibility Packet. To qualify under this standard, students must receive and be verified (through a review of their current year filed IRS Tax Form 1040) as income eligible to receive Free/Reduced Price lunch (receipt of Free/Reduced Lunch without Tax verification will not be accepted). See Table 1: Qualifying Under Free and Reduced Lunch Program /USDA Guidelines Source: https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/childrens-health/child-care-foodprogram/_documents/income-eligibility.pdf
(2) Qualified applicants must be a recipient or meet the income eligibility guidelines published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To qualify, applicants must not exceed the “Very Low Income” eligibility threshold designated by the HUD standard published annually for the county in which the student resides. Please contact our office for instructions to qualify under HUD guidelines.
(3) Qualified applicants must be a recipient of Florida Medicaid services. Medicaid eligibility in Florida is determined either by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the Social Security Administration (for SSI recipients). To qualify under this standard, students must currently be receiving services (through a review of their Florida Medicaid benefits) and must provide official documentation for eligibility from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the Social Security Administration (for SSI recipients).
(4) Qualified applicants must be a SNAP recipient. SNAP eligibility is determined by the State of Florida through the Department of Children and Families. To qualify under this standard, students must currently be receiving services and must provide official documentation for eligibility from the Department of Children and Families.
(5) In the instance the student’s parents/guardian does not file Federal income taxes, the following documents can be used to verify income eligibility for the Take Stock in Children program: a) TANF – Letter from State of Florida indicating that family has been approved to receive TANF benefit and names of household beneficiaries (the student applicant’s name should be listed as part of household on the document). The date of eligibility for benefits indicated on the letter should align with the application date for the TSIC program (i.e., the student should be eligible to receive TANF benefits at the time of TSIC application). b) Proof that the student is in Foster Care (currently active as a foster care student during the application period of TSIC). c) Signed document on school district letterhead, from the School district’s Homeless Liaison, verifying in writing that the student is homeless and qualifies for free/reduced lunch. The document date should align with the date of the TSIC application.