REAL Exclusive Magazine

Take Stock in Children

“Support Our Children As One Day They Will Run The World”

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

Take Stock in Children Manatee’s 3rd Annual 10K/5K/Fun Run Fundraiser February 26, 2012

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How do you nurture potential, transform what could be into reality? It’s a timeless question, and one that has infinite ramifications. When innovative educator Dr. Donald “Don” Pemberton explored the possibilities facing some of the state’s most promising –and challenged- youth he realized that without guidance and support, these young sparks had little chance of flourishing. To stoke the embers of success he founded Take Stock in Children, a mentorship program that facilitates academic success for children living in poverty. An early investment yields blazing results: the organization reports that participating students achieve 96% success rates in graduating high school and matriculating in college degree programs, which are funded by Take Stock in Children scholarships. It’s an opportunity for families to chart new paths; according to Executive Director Diana Dill, 20% of the program’s participants are the first of their families to graduate high school, and 90% are the first to attend college.

Launched in 1995 in Pinellas County, Take Stock in Children has expanded throughout the state with coordinators promoting and managing the program at a county level. Located in targeted schools, these coordinators work closely with educators and community members to identify potential candidates, who start with the program as early as the sixth grade. After acceptance into the program, students contractually agree to an established code of conduct. “Each student pledges to remain drug- and crime-free, to maintain good grades and behavior, and to meet with an on-campus mentor each week,” explains Dill. “As long as they uphold their promises, we award each high school graduate with a four-year college scholarship to an accredited college within the State of Florida.” Funds are matched by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, which enables Take Stock in Children to maximize its impact.

Volunteer mentors, notes Dill, are paramount to the success of participating students, who hail from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. “The commonality between our students is their financial outlook,” she says. “The population we serve are individuals living in poverty, with limited resources for ongoing education.” Mentors, who range in age from early 20’s to their 80’s, are valued for their own diverse experiences. “We are looking for people who can encourage our students and lead by example,” Dill explains. “College degrees aren’t a must; what we want is to show that, through education and personal responsibility, success is possible.” 

While mentors are only asked to agree to one-year commitments, the opportunity to make a sustained impact on the lives of others is difficult to relinquish. Many mentors become long-term participants in the program, reporting that their efforts are high-yield investments. “Our program reports a ninety percent mentor retention rate,” confirms Dill. “We are fortunate to count on the support and participation of amazing adults who are helping to change the lives of countless children.”

Take Stock in Children, Manatee County looks forward to the opportunity to continue to build its core of mentors, and to support new generations of local youth, encouraging them to shine to their brightest potentials.

Take Stock in Children, Manatee County
Diana Dill
Executive Director
6125 River Club Boulevard
Bradenton, FL 34202
(941) 751.7012 ext 2047
dianadill@manateeschools.net
www.takestockinchildren.org

Copyright © 2012 REAL Magazine
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