There are many nonprofit organizations in Bradenton and the surrounding area. Each one is doing incredible work to support our community by helping those less fortunate, promoting the arts, providing education, and more.
During our nonprofit spotlight series, we’ll highlight information about a different local nonprofit each week.
Can you tell us a little bit about your mission and how you help to support our community?
| Poverty remains an issue in our society, and Take Stock in Children of Manatee County is set to combat it within our communities. Many studies have shown that poverty is near generational – meaning that children born in financially and/or educationally difficult circumstances will be less likely to escape those conditions as adults without outside intervention. Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, Inc. provides mentors, scholarships, and hope for academically qualified students within the School District of Manatee County. Not only does our program provide academic support, but we also offer the consistent moral and mental engagement needed for success! |
Who do you serve and why?
| We serve students in 6th to12th grades that are financially at risk of attending post-secondary education without the help of tuition-based college scholarships. Our program, along with the support of their mentor, college success coach, and the entire team of Take Stock Manatee helps them earn the scholarships they need. On average, our graduates see a large increase not only in academic achievement but also in financial independence later in life. |
Can you describe a few of your key programs?
| Mentoring is the secret sauce to our program. Our volunteer mentors and students are required to meet for at least two 30 minute sessions a month. We also strongly encourage weekly meetings. In addition, we are also in the process of building a new program to follow our students through college, career, and in the community. |
What’s the best way our community can help?
| We can always use volunteer mentors! This is an experience that is life-changing for our students and incredibly rewarding for our mentors as well. Visit our Mentor Page for more information. If you don’t have time to mentor, a monetary donation helps to support our program and create a better tomorrow! |
What eles does the community need to know?
To date, Take Stock in Children Manatee has sent nearly 600 low-income students to college. This year, we are awarding 65 college scholarships and are on target to award 70 next year.
We are also well on our way to our “100 Student Promise” of awarding 100 college scholarships per year. This would not be possible without our mentors, investors, and community partners who believe in this mission. We are very grateful for them.
