Take Stock in Children gives underprivileged a chance
BY FRANKLIN HAYES Gulf Breeze News franklin@gulfbreezenews.com

If America really is the land of opportunity, shouldn't everyone get an equal chance? As the national job market changes to accommodate international outsourcing and immigration, people find themselves needing more education than ever. "Take Stock in Children" (TSC), a non-profit organization, is always looking for financial donations mentors to give the underprivileged the chance they deserve. The group organizes four-year scholarships for middle school students who agree to standards of conduct designed to guide them in life.

Local resident Jo-Anne Price enjoys her work as mentor.

"I'm a former teacher, so education is near and dear to my heart. My husband and I decided to fund two scholarships. Education is very important, and some kids just aren't going to have the opportunity otherwise," Price said.

Take Stock in Children provides scholarships, mentors and hope to deserving, low-income youth in Santa Rosa County. Scholarships are possible by donations from the public and dollar for dollar matching by the Florida Pre-Paid Program. Students are identified in sixth grade through an application and selection process assisted by public school guidance counselors. To be selected for the program, students must be selected, maintain satisfactory grades (2.0 GPA or above), remain drug and arrest free, exhibit good attendance and behavior in school, participate in weekly meetings with a mentor, and have a financial need along with a determination to succeed.

"Basically, if students qualify for free or reduced lunches, they can apply for our scholarships. This is a great opportunity for kids to work toward a goal early in life," Development Coordinator for TSC Angi Brown said.

The Gulf Breeze Wal-Mart donated $500 to TSC to be applied toward college scholarships for underprivileged children.

"We try to stay involved with communities," Assistant Manager and Public Relations coordinator for the Gulf Breeze Wal-Mart Donny Spurlock said.

The $500 that was donated by the store will be matched dollar for dollar by Florida PrePaid College Board, bringing the total donation to $1,000.

Wal-Mart Assistant Manager Hal George brought the program to the attention of his superiors and PR coordinator Spurlock.

"Ms. Brown came to one of my Rotary meetings recently and gave a presentation. I thought it was a good program because it is for underprivileged children," George said.

"They make a contract, and if they live by the terms of the contract, they get the scholarship. It keeps kids on the right path. It really is a great program."

Brown encouraged people to volunteer as mentors or make donations to the non-profit business. For additional information call the Santa Rosa Educational Foundation at (850) 983-5043