The St. Johns County Education Foundation, known as Investing in Kids, is celebrating the Take Stock in Children Class of 2026.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the program’s first graduate and the success of 21 seniors who are now moving on to higher education.
“One hundred percent of our Take Stock in Children 2026 graduates are moving on to post-secondary education,” Cathy Newman, INK’s executive director, said in a news release. “Since the program started, 96 % of our local Take Stock graduates have continued their education past high school, with 61 % earning a post-secondary degree or career certification.”
“We are thankful for our amazing donors, growing alumni group, and volunteer mentors, comprised of business professionals, leaders, and community members.”
Take Stock in Children is a nonprofit organization focused on providing scholarships to students across Florida to break the cycle of poverty. INK! supports low-income students who have strong academic potential. Since 1998, INK! has awarded more than $2.4 million in scholarships.
INK! helps students graduate from high school with support that includes mentoring, career and college readiness coaching and financial aid guidance. Students must keep a 2.5 grade point average, stay in school and avoid drugs and crime to remain in the program.
Graduates receive a scholarship through the Florida Prepaid Foundation, covering 60 credit hours at a Florida state college. This year’s graduates will attend a range of post-secondary institutions, including the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida A&M University, the University of Central Florida and Penn State University.
This year, INK! is also recognizing a Super Senior scholarship award in memory of Jim Davidson. The Davidson family supports the program through the Davidson Cares Foundation.
The application window for the Take Stock in Children program is now open to St. Johns County public school students in grades seven through 10. Applications can be completed online.
To learn more about the program, or to become a mentor, contact Jim Wheeler at 904-547-7121 or james.wheeler@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
This story was created by reporter Lucia Viti, lviti@usatodayco.com. with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: St. Johns County Take Stock in Children grads celebrate scholarships
Reporting by Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record / St. Augustine Record
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