News about scholars!

 "I saw several Take Stock scholars at my financial aid workshops in February. I am happy to assist such worthwhile students." 

Head of Guidance Services- Bill Goodman 

 Attention Mentors: We love to hear updates on our scholars and mentors! If any interesting or significant events occur with your scholar or yourself, please let us know.

Recruiting Class of 2017

We will be recruiting 6th graders, the Class of 2017 soon. If you are interested in interviewing, mentor recruitment, or helping in any other way, please contact Nikki at wagnerng@gm.sbac.edu. 

State Take Stock in Children news

With new leadership at the state legislative level, many changes hang in the balance this year for Take Stock in Children:  

-The Florida Prepaid Foundation has a proposed budget of $2.6M this year, compared to $4M last year, a 40% reduction in available matching funds. These funds make it possible to match scholarship dollars, doubling our purchasing power.

-The state is projected to cut local program funding by 15%. This is on top on reductions made for the past three years.

-The price of a 2 plus 2 college scholarship has risen from $8,000 three years ago to almost $27,000 this year, making it nearly impossible to provide this type of scholarship in the future.

Your local representatives are:

Rep. Chuck Chestnut - (850) 488-5794 Capitol Office, (352) 955-3083 Home District
Rep. Keith Perry - (850) 488-0887 Capitol Office, (352) 873-6564 Home District
Sen. Steve Oelrich - (850) 487-5020 Capitol Office, (352) 375-3555 Home District 
Sen. Leonard Bembry - (850) 488-7870 Capitol Office, (352) 493-6848 Home District  

Save the Date!

Our annual Passport to Success Celebration will be April 19th from 6-8pm at Kanapha Middle School. The event is sponsored by the Florida Lottery and food will be provided by Sonic, America's Drive-In. Invitations will be mailed out soon.

 School Holiday Dates

All public schools will be closed Friday, March 25 through Friday, April 1.  Normal school hours will resume April 4. 

Important dates coming up

Take Stock in Children in Alachua County and the Alachua County Public Schools Foundation will be stepping up our fundraising efforts to help make up the difference in declining state funds and to purchase more scholarships. Please join us in any or all of the following events!

-Enter a chance drawing for a one night stay at the Ritz Carlton, Grande Lakes Orlando and two tickets to see the Blue Man Group in Orlando! Tickets are only $5 for one chance or $20 for 5 chances! Tickets will be sold until June 19. Contact our office to purchase. If you would like a stack to sell to your friends or co-workers, let us know and we will mail them to you. They sell themselves- you just have to let people know!

-Our annual fundraiser O2B A Kid Again is Sunday, May 1 from 5-8pm at O2b Kids on Newberry Rd. Purchase tickets online at this link. Or our website www.acpsf.org. Tickets are only $30 per person and include food, drinks, fun and a huge silent auction.

-Wine Tasting at Embers on June 19 from 4-7pm. Details to follow soon.

-Save the Date for our Education Ball on September 18th at the UF Hilton.

 


Thank you!