Take Stock in Children is a solution to one of the most critical problesms facing Florida, high dropout and high youth crime rates. This scholarship program has a proven record of helping low-income children stay out of trouble, graduate from high school, attend college, and become productive citizens. Take Stock in Children is more than just a scholarship; it is a comprehensive program that helps Lee County's economically disadvantaged and at-risk students succeed by providing college scholarships, volunteer mentors, student advocates, early intervention and long-term support. The program' s success is attributed to its high standards, parental involvement and community support.

In May 2009, over $720,000 in four year college scholarships were awarded to 40 high school, and 20 middle school students. This is a record-breaking number for the Lee County program. There are currently 158 students in The Foundation's Take Stock in Children Scholarship Program.

Each year, we host a fundraiser to generate funds to purchase scholarship. The event is called the Take Stock in Children Holiday Happy Hour Auction. Tickets are $75 per person or $125 for a couple, sponsorship opportunities are also available.

As a Take Stock in Children sponsor, you receive a student's photograph and biography. You can meet the child - volunteer prior to becoming his or her mentor, if you wish. Call Janelle Caple at 337-0433 or email Janelle@leeschoolfoundation.org for information on how you can become a mentor.