Take Stock in Children was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization in Florida that provides a unique opportunity for deserving low-income youth/students, many from minority families, to escape the cycle of poverty through education. There are other affiliate programs located across the state and Flagler County is proud to offer this life-changing program right here. Flagler County is a rural community with pockets of extreme poverty with over 65% of our student body on free or reduced lunch. This program expands educational opportunities by removing obstacles that prevent student achievement. The Take Stock in Children program also received a large donation from Peter & Sue Freytag in 2017. We were able to achieve our goal to reach 100 students in the program for the 2020-2021 school year. This is all possible thanks to the generosity of Peter & Sue Freytag. In the 2023-2024 school year, we graduated 28 students in May 2024.
For the past two years at the state Take Stock in Children conference, the Flagler County Education Foundation has received an Excellence Award, being recognized as one of the best and most effective programs. This is due to the district and YOUR support of the program – from teachers, mentors, guidance counselors, and foundation team members. The Peter & Sue Freytag Take Stock in Children program was awarded the Gold Level in Excellence Award again this year, but also received the Luminary Award for the 2022-23 year. The Peter & Sue Freytag Take Stock In Children Assistant Director in Flagler is Selina Hernandez. Contact her at hernandezs@flaglerschools.com today for more information, and become a mentor today.
This program offers Flagler Public Schools students college scholarships, caring volunteer mentors, and hope for a better life. These comprehensive services start in middle school, continue through high school, and include their transition into college.
The Ed Foundation is in need of raising funds to provide college scholarships to students in need, all funds raised for this life-changing program will be matched dollar-for-dollar due to a state matching grant. Click here to donate to our Take Stock In Children Program today.
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The 2024-2025 Take Stock in Children application process will be opening soon.
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“My name is Caitlin Peterson, and I graduated from Matanzas High School in 2013 with a scholarship from the Take Stock In Children scholarship. I’m currently a student at Florida State University pursuing my dream of earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Media Production. Take Stock made it possible for me to strive for success by taking a step each day to become a groundbreaking filmmaker. Short documentaries and videos are the most effective way to present information and new ideas in the digital age. I am working to be on the frontline of this movement.”
Why mentor? People ultimately want to have a lasting, profound impact in their community, and they understand that the commitment of becoming a mentor can change a child’s life while helping the child and themselves grow personally. Can you remember adults who paid attention to you? Who believed in you? Who guided you during your childhood? Wouldn’t you like to have someone think of you as their life-changing, trusted mentor? One of the best feelings in the world is knowing that someone is happy because of you!
Become a mentor today!
