Escambia
County Public Schools
Applications for the 2026-27 school year will be accepted January 20, 2026 - March 6, 2026.
Applications will be available through Middle School Guidance Counselors* in late January 2026.
Selections will be made in Summer 2026 for the 2026–27 school year.
* For a list of schools we service, click here to visit our FAQs page.
What is Take Stock in Children?
Take Stock in Children is a statewide nonprofit that provides
scholarships, mentors, and hope.
Take Stock of Escambia operates locally under the
Escambia County Public Schools Foundation.
Take Stock Provides
- A volunteer community mentor
- College readiness tools and guidance
- A strong community of support
Take Stock Scholars Commit to
- Strong academics
- Consistent attendance
- Positive citizenship
Upon graduation, students are awarded a 4-year
Florida state college scholarship.
Program Information
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How are students selected?
- Parents and students complete an online application.
- Local selection committee reviews applications and makes the final decisions.
- The number of students we can select depends on the availability of donated scholarships.
How are scholarships funded?
Donate Now!- Scholarships are funded through the generosity of local businesses, foundations, community organizations, and individuals.
- Contributions are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, doubling every donor’s impact.
- Each year’s class size is determined by the number of scholarships donated.
What does the Take Stock scholarship cover?
Four years / 120 credit hours of tuition and fees at the Florida state college rate.
Scholarships can also be used toward:
- Vocational or technical training certifications
- Florida universities*
*FAFSA, Pell Grant, and other scholarships may still be needed.
How many students are in the program?
- 191 current Take Stock Scholars in grades 7–12
- 145 students in college using their Take Stock scholarship
- 190 post-secondary completions to date — Certifications, Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, & PhDs.
What are the benefits of being a Take Stock Scholar?
- One-on-one mentorship
- Middle school and high school college readiness & coaching
- A four-year Florida state college scholarship upon high school graduation
- A lifelong network of support
What are the eligibility requirements
to become a Take Stock Scholar?
- Attends 6th or 7th grade in an Escambia County public school
- Meets financial eligibility requirements (see chart below)
- Earns grades of all C or better (minimum 2.0 GPA)
- Exhibits good behavior and attendance
- Is a U.S. citizen or resident alien
I became a mentor because I saw the need and knew I could make time for such an amazing program. From the very first meeting, my mentee asked to see me weekly—and that meant more to me than she’ll ever know. Being a mentor has shown me the real difference one person can make.
— NeRissa Bates, Realtor, LPT Realty
What is a Mentor?
Behind every Take Stock Scholar is a mentor who offers guidance, encouragement, and hope. Mentors inspire students to dream bigger, stay focused, and keep going.
- A mentor is a caring, consistent adult who believes in their mentee’s future.
- A mentor is a friend who provides consistent support and encouragement.
- They meet with their student for 30–45 minutes during the school day, on campus.
- Mentors listen, encourage, and help students set goals for success in school and beyond.
- They are not tutors or authority figures.
- Mentors walk beside students on their journey, offering guidance and belief in their potential.
⭐ Scholar Spotlight: Khale ⭐
Q: What are your goals after high school graduation?
My goals for after high school are to become a doctor of some sort.
Q: What’s your favorite subject and why?
My favorite subject is math because it’s easy to me.
Q: What’s your favorite hobby or activity outside of school?
My favorite hobby outside of school is softball.
Khale is our Scholar of the Month. She currently earned all As last quarter. We are proud to celebrate her hard work and dedication!
We are so proud of our scholars and their accomplishments. Each spotlight reminds us of the bright futures ahead and the difference mentoring and support can make.
⭐ Mentor Spotlight: NeRissa Bates ⭐
Q: Why did you decide to become a mentor?
“I became a mentor because there was a need, and I knew I could make time for such an amazing organization. I first learned about Take Stock in Children at the new mentor dinner celebration as a guest with the Pensacola Optimist Club. Mrs. Sally made an appeal for mentors, and after hearing the students’ speeches and seeing so many success stories from past scholars, I knew I wanted to sign up.”
Q: What has the mentoring experience meant to you personally?
“I know that I am making a difference. My mentee looks forward to our time together and tells me often how much she appreciates it. At first, I was nervous, but halfway through our first visit we clicked. I remember asking if she wanted to meet weekly or every other week, and she quickly said, ‘Weekly!’ That meant more to me than she will ever know.”
Q: How long have you been a mentor with Take Stock in Children?
“This is my third year as a mentor.”
Q: What is your current profession and community involvement?
“I am a Realtor with LPT Realty on Team Bates. I previously served as a Reading Pal with Ready Kids for 3.5 years and was an Engagement Board member with Valerie’s House. Within the Pensacola Association of Realtors (PAR), I serve on the Commercial Alliance Committee as Vice Chair, Young Professionals Network, and the Community Relations Committee. I’ve been nominated for a Board of Directors position and am the incoming Treasurer of the Women’s Council of Realtors Pensacola Bay Area.”
“NeRissa leads by example — her kindness, consistency, and community spirit make her an outstanding mentor.”
— Take Stock in Children of Escambia County
About Mentor Spotlight: Each month, we recognize one of our incredible Take Stock in Children mentors. This feature highlights the dedicated individuals who volunteer their time, share their wisdom, and help guide our scholars toward brighter futures.
⭐ Alumna Spotlight: Dr. Scott Miller ⭐
Q: What year did you graduate high school, and where did you go to college or trade school?
I graduated from Tate HS in 2005, UWF in 2009 with my Bachelors in Science, and FSU in 2015 with my Ph.D in Nuclear Physics.
Q: What did you study, and what degrees or certifications did you earn?
I listed the degrees above, but I also picked up a Minor in Mathematics from UWF, and my Masters in Science from FSU in 2013. Since then I've also picked up my CompTIA Security+ Certification and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Q: What are you doing now?
I’m currently a Senior Manager for Technical Risk at Navy Federal Credit Union…
Q: What’s a favorite memory from your time in the program?
One of my favorite memories was walking across the Take Stock stage with my parents and my mentor cheering me on.
Q: What advice would you give to current students?
Life throws you curve balls… build strong bonds and pay it forward.
“Dr. Miller’s journey is a shining example of resilience, academic excellence, and community impact—proof that Take Stock scholars continue to inspire long after graduation.”
— Take Stock in Children of Escambia County
About Alumna Spotlight: Our Alumna Spotlight celebrates former Take Stock in Children scholars who have gone on to pursue college, careers, and beyond.
Other Ways to Help
Can’t commit to weekly mentoring right now? You can still make a meaningful impact in a student’s life.
- Click here to make a donation — Support scholarships and college-readiness programs.
- Become a Tutor — Provide academic support through virtual 30-minute sessions each week.
- Become a Tutor Monitor — Join our sessions to help track attendance and ensure smooth communication.
- Be a TSIC Ambassador — Help us spread the word, recruit new mentors, and share our mission in the community.
- Lead a Workshop or Group Mentoring Session — Share your career, skills, or college journey with our students.
Want to learn more? Reach out to us anytime — we’d love to help you get involved!
Contact Us
Questions?
Contact us.
Office Phone Number:
(850) 469-5458
Student Services Coordinator:
Alexandra Bach
(404) 496-1879
College Readiness Coach:
Jeanne Kimberl
(850) 292-8279
Office Address:
Escambia County Public
Schools Foundation
Attention: TSIC Program
30 East Texar Drive, Suite 113
Pensacola, FL 32503-2902
Leadership Council Members
Ann Yoshihashi, MD
Leadership Chair
Laverne Baker
President, Laverne Baker & Associates
William R. Crawley, Ph.D
Professor, University of West Florida
Julie Dyson
Synovus (Retired)
Elizabeth Haymans
Project Manager
Navy Federal Credit Union
Patty Hightower
Escambia County
School Board (Retired)
Samantha Hill
Director of Admissions
Pensacola State College
Bob Hoyt, MD
Informatics Education
Fredrick Longmire
Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney of Escambia County
David Lister
Saltmarsh, Cleaveland
& Gund (Retired)
Chuntell Patterson
Children's Home Society
Take Stock in Children Alumna
The Honorable Michelle Salzman
Florida House of Representatives, District 1; Salz Studios, Owner
2024-2025 Scholarship Donors
Dick & Laverne Baker
Baroco Electric Construction
Lois Benson & Family
Donor Group 2024-25
First Bank
Florida Power & Light Company
The Honorable Don Gaetz,
Florida District 1
Alison Haygood Memorial
Drs. Bob Hoyt & Ann Yoshihashi
Dr. Robert & Sue Kincaid
Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon
Lee Family
Melba Bayers Meyer Trust
Navy Federal Credit Union
North Pensacola Optimist Club
Dr. Mike Riesberg
Ron Jon Worldwide
Sansing Foundation
Society of the Debutante
Charity Cotillion
SubWest Rotary Foundation