Now, more than ever, we must Take Stock in our Children

Providing scholarships, mentors, and hope to help St. Johns County kids escape the cycle of poverty through education

Take Stock in Children

Now, more than ever, we must TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN

Providing mentorship and college scholarships to help kids escape the cycle of poverty

What is Take Stock in Children?

Take Stock in Children Florida was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization that provides a unique opportunity for deserving, low-income youth to escape the cycle of poverty through education.

As the exclusive local affiliate for the statewide Take Stock in Children organization, INK! helps students graduate from high school with individualized support through volunteer mentors, college and career coaching, tuition scholarships, and hope for future success.

We have facilitated mentors and scholarships for at-risk students in St. Johns County since 1998.

Take Stock in Children

How Take Stock in Children works:

  • Selected students sign a contract, agreeing to maintain a 2.5 GPA, stay in school, and remain drug and crime-free.
  • Participants meet regularly with their mentor throughout high school to discuss college exploration, career paths, and more.
  • INK! engages students in college and career coaching and activities to prepare for success after high school graduation.
  • At graduation, Take Stock in Children scholars are awarded tuition scholarships equaling 60 credit hours to the Florida state college or technical college of their choice.
  • Since 1995, over 39,000 children across Florida have received this life-changing opportunity.

To learn more about Take Stock in Children St. Johns County, contact James Wheeler at james.wheeler@stjohns.k12.fl.us or (904) 547-7121.

Become a Take Stock in Children Scholar!

The Take Stock in Children Application Window is OPEN for students in St. Johns County public schools.

Students in 8th, 9th and 10th grades are eligible to apply online today!

INK! has scholarship opportunities available to award to deserving 8th, 9th and 10th grade public school students St. Johns County.

What is a Take Stock in Children Mentor?

  • A Take Stock in Children Mentor is a caring, compassionate adult who volunteers time to support a young person. Take Stock Mentors offer support, guidance, and encouragement to high school students.
  • You can change a life by helping a student build confidence, a solid foundation of values, establish goals, improve their life skills.
  • With as little as 30 minutes a week, you can impact a student’s life. Mentoring takes place during the school year for 30-60 minutes each session at a time and day arranged by the mentor and student.
  • As a Take Stock Mentor, you will receive training, resources, and guidance to help you support your student’s success.

How do I become a Take Stock Mentor?

  • To become a Take Stock Mentor, click the red “Mentor Application” button to the left to complete an application.
  • Once your application is completed, contact James Wheeler at (904) 547-7121 or james.wheeler@stjohns.k12.fl.us to submit your application.
  • For more information about becoming a Mentor, contact James Wheeler at james.wheeler@stjohns.k12.fl.us or (904) 547-7121.

Want to learn more about Take Stock in Children St. Johns?

To learn more about the Take Stock in Children scholarship program or about becoming a mentor for St. Johns County students, email James Wheeler at james.wheeler@stjohns.k12.fl.us or call (904) 547-7121.

Listen to the podcast

In this episode, Jim and Ian are joined by Marci Poston, Director of Take Stock In Children Program, to talk about this unique statewide program and all the latest happenings within the program. You don’t want to miss this one…

“The Take Stock program helped me grow into the young woman I have become. I was able to utilize the resources that Take Stock offered to help me find my path at St. Johns River State College. My mentor and Mr. Wheeler helped me with a computer and advised me on which classes to focus on. Without Take Stock I would not have had the opportunity to attend college and grow into the individual I am now.”

-Ocean Rynn
TSIC Graduate, 2019