To Parents/Guardians of 8th Grade Students in Marion County Public Schools – Your Child May Be Eligible for a College Scholarship!
Take Stock in Children Helps Low-Income Children Achieve Success
We select Marion County Public School students during their 8th grade year. Students must be eligible for free or reduced lunch.
- To be eligible to apply, your child MUST meet the following criteria:
- 2.5 unweighted Grade Point Average (C+ average or above in all classes)
- Families MUST meet the free/reduced lunch income eligibility guidelines
- Families must provide income tax documentation
If you meet the eligibility requirements, please note the following dates:
- December 4th, 2020 – Completed Scholarship Applications are DUE online (This date is an extension from the original due date of November 23rd, 2020)
- Applications must be completed and submitted online, with attached proof of income (copy of 2019 income taxes)
- If the family did not file income taxes for 2019, please email Meghan.Magamoll@marion.k12.fl.us to discuss the circumstances
- If the family cannot complete the forms online, please contact our office.
- Families will be notified of their application status by March 2021
- Eligibility does not guarantee a student will be accepted. A limited number of students are accepted.
The selections process continues into the spring, and all students will be notified by staff or letter by March 2021 as to their application status. It is a competitive process, and students are selected by committees comprised of educators, civic leaders, and business sponsors from their own communities.
Students & Parents Sign a Performance Contract
Upon selection, scholars and their parents/guardians sign a contract agreeing to stay in school, maintain good grades, exhibit good behavior, remain crime-and drug-free, meet with their mentors once a week and attend Take Stock workshops and events. Students are held accountable; if they violate their contracts, they will lose their scholarships.
College & Vocational Scholarships Provide Hope for a Better Future
All scholars who successfully complete the program requirements receive a two year Florida Public College tuition scholarship through the Florida Prepaid Foundation’s Project STARS program after graduating from high school.
Take Stock in Children Provides a Road to Success
Take Stock in Children makes a multi-year commitment to children, providing an inclusive array of services from the time they enter the program through their graduation from college or vocational school.

College Success Coach & Case Manager
Each scholar in the program is assigned a College Success Coach who meets with the student and monitors his/her academic success. The Success Coaches also work closely with mentors and school personnel to ensure that each child achieves success.
Parental Involvement Increases the Chances of Success
Parents are responsible for supporting and encouraging their child’s academic success by 1) developing positive relationships with teachers, mentors, school administrators, and Take Stock in Children staff, and 2) playing active roles in the educational, cultural, and school-based activities of their child.