One caring adult can change a student’s future.
Take Stock in Children, a program of Bay Education Foundation, connects caring volunteer mentors with Bay County students who need encouragement, accountability, and someone firmly in their corner as they navigate high school and plan for life beyond graduation.
Our impact is powerful. Bay County Take Stock scholars graduate at a 99% rate, maintain a 3.6 GPA. and 91% continue into college or postsecondary education. Students who successfully complete the program earn a 2-year Florida Prepaid Scholarship, along with college and career readiness support to help them take the next step with confidence.
Mentors do more than meet with students. They help them overcome challenges, celebrate milestones, build confidence, and imagine bigger possibilities for their future.
What Does Mentoring Look Like?
Mentoring is simple—but meaningful. Volunteer mentors connect with their student twice each month during the school year, typically meeting at the student’s school over lunch for about 30 minutes per session. Virtual meetings through the Take Stock app are also an option when needed.
It’s a small commitment of time that can make an extraordinary impact.
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
Alyssa Nelson – North Bay Haven
TBD – Palm Bay Prep
Ashley Myatt – Rutherford High School Debbi Whitaker – The Collegiate 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.