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Applications for the 2026–27 school year will be accepted January 20, 2026 – February 26, 2026.

Applications will be available through Middle School Guidance Counselors* in late January 2026.

Selections will be made in Summer 2026 for the 2026–27 school year.

* For a list of schools we serve, click here to visit our FAQs page.

Group of Take Stock scholars holding certificates
How To Become A Scholar – Click Here How To Become A Mentor – Click Here

What is Take Stock in Children?

Take Stock in Children is a statewide nonprofit that provides scholarships, mentors, and hope to help students from low-income families break the cycle of poverty through education.

Take Stock of Escambia operates locally under the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation.

Take Stock Provides

  • A volunteer community mentor
  • College readiness tools and guidance
  • A strong community of support

Take Stock Scholars Commit to

  • Strong academics
  • Consistent attendance
  • Positive citizenship

Upon graduation, students are awarded a 4-year Florida state college scholarship.

Program Information

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Frequently Asked Questions
“

I became a mentor because I saw the need and knew I could make time for such an amazing program. From the very first meeting, my mentee asked to see me weekly—and that meant more to me than she’ll ever know. Being a mentor has shown me the real difference one person can make.

— NeRissa Bates, Realtor, LPT Realty

What is a Mentor?

Behind every Take Stock Scholar is a mentor who offers guidance, encouragement, and hope. Mentors inspire students to dream bigger, stay focused, and keep going.

  • A mentor is a caring, consistent adult who believes in their mentee’s future.
  • A mentor is a friend who provides consistent support and encouragement.
  • They meet with their student for 30–45 minutes during the school day, on campus.
  • Mentors listen, encourage, and help students set goals for success in school and beyond.
  • They are not tutors or authority figures.
  • Mentors walk beside students on their journey, offering guidance and belief in their potential.
Mentors change lives — one conversation at a time. Click here to learn more.

Other Ways to Help

Can’t commit to weekly mentoring right now? You can still make a meaningful impact in a student’s life.

  • — Support scholarships and college-readiness programs.
  • Become a Tutor — Provide academic support through virtual 30-minute sessions each week.
  • Become a Tutor Monitor — Join our sessions to help track attendance and ensure smooth communication.
  • Be a TSIC Ambassador — Help us spread the word, recruit new mentors, and share our mission in the community.
  • Lead a Workshop or Group Mentoring Session — Share your career, skills, or college journey with our students.

Want to learn more? Reach out to us anytime — we’d love to help you get involved!

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

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Take Stock in Children logo - scholarships, mentors & hope

Questions?

Contact us!

Office Email Address:
staff@takestockofescambia.org

Office Phone Number:
(850) 469-5458

Student Services Coordinator:
Alexandra Bach
abach@takestockofescambia.org
(404) 496-1879

College Readiness Coach:
Jeanne Kimberl
jkimberl@takestockofescambia.org
(850) 292-8279

Mentor Coordinator:
Danielle Randall
drandall@takestockofescambia.org
(850) 292-7192

Office Address:

Escambia County
Public Schools Foundation
Attention: TSIC Program
30 East Texar Drive, Suite 113
Pensacola, FL 32503-2902

Leadership Council Members

Ann Yoshihashi, MD
Leadership Chair

Laverne Baker
President, Laverne Baker & Associates

William R. Crawley, Ph.D
Professor, University of West Florida

Julie Dyson
Synovus (Retired)

Elizabeth Haymans
Project Manager,
Navy Federal Credit Union

Patty Hightower
Community member

Bob Hoyt, MD

Fredrick Longmire
Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney of Escambia County

David Lister
Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund (Retired)

Chuntell Patterson
Children’s Home Society;
Take Stock in Children Alumna

The Honorable Michelle Salzman
Florida House of Representatives,
District 1; Salz Studios, Owner

2024–2025 Scholarship Donors

Dick & Laverne Baker

Baroco Electric Construction

Lois Benson & Family

Donor Group 2024–25

First Bank

Florida Power & Light Company

The Honorable Don Gaetz, Florida District 1

Alison Haygood Memorial

Drs. Bob Hoyt & Ann Yoshihashi

Dr. Robert & Sue Kincaid

Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon

Lee Family

Melba Bayers Meyer Trust

Navy Federal Credit Union

North Pensacola Optimist Club

Dr. Mike Riesberg

Ron Jon Worldwide

Sansing Foundation

Society of the Debutante Charity Cotillion

SubWest Rotary Foundation