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Dear Take Stock Palm Beach, College for Kids Program,
Welcome to the March edition of the Take Stock Tribune! After an extraordinary February filled with career exploration, community connection, and our largest Bridge the Gap 5K to date, we’re stepping into spring with renewed energy and excitement for what’s ahead.
This month, we’re celebrating major milestones across our program - from the incredible success of the 7th Annual Bridge the Gap 5K to the inspiring momentum of our growing alumni network.
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We’re also gearing up for one of the most meaningful events of the year: our 3rd Annual College Decision Day on May 11, where we’ll honor the Class of 2026 as they announce their postsecondary plans and step confidently into their futures.
Thank you for being part of our Take Stock family. Your support fuels every celebration, every milestone, and every student success story. We’re grateful to step into another month of impact together.
Warmly,
The Take Stock Palm Beach, College for Kids Team
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Where Dreams Take Flight:
College Decision Day 2026
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Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County is thrilled to host our 3rd Annual College Decision Day on May 11, 2026, at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
College Decision Day is one of the most meaningful celebrations of the year for our program. This special evening recognizes the dedication, perseverance, and achievements of our graduating seniors as they officially announce their postsecondary plans. Surrounded by their families, mentors, school partners, and community supporters, each student will take part in our signature “college decision” moment — proudly placing the hat of the college, university, or postsecondary institution they will attend on their head. It’s a powerful symbol of years of hard work and a reminder of the bright futures ahead.
We are especially honored to welcome Nicole Cummings as our keynote speaker. Nicole serves as a Program Manager within NASA Exploration and oversees rocket engine efforts for the Artemis program — the historic missions designed to land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon. Her leadership in advancing innovation and expanding opportunity in space exploration reflects the very spirit of perseverance and possibility that we strive to instill in our students.
The program will feature additional remarks, student recognitions, and heartfelt moments that highlight the impact of mentorship and the collective support system that helps our scholars succeed. It is always an emotional and celebratory evening as we watch our students step confidently into their next chapter.
Following the formal program, guests are invited to continue the celebration at a lively reception featuring music from Digital Vibes. Students will enjoy fun giveaways, great music, photo opportunities, and time to celebrate together with their peers and supporters.
We are incredibly proud of the Take Stock Class of 2026 and look forward to celebrating this milestone moment with our entire community.
| | | March Mentor Updates & Reminders | | |
We hope you’re enjoying the start of spring. There are a few things coming up that we want to make sure you know about, and as always, we appreciate everything you do for your mentee.
Spring Break
Both our office and the schools will be on Spring Break from March 14–22.
Quick Reminder to Log Sessions
Please remember to log your mentoring sessions in the Take Stock app. If the app gives you any trouble, you can simply email your meeting dates to Annie or Elissa, and we will take care of it for you.
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Testing Season Is Around the Corner
Schools will soon be entering their testing period, which sometimes means limited visitor access. If you meet in person, it’s a good idea to check in with your mentee ahead of time to make sure the school is open for visits that day.
Your Presence Matters
Never forget: just showing up consistently makes a huge difference. Your mentee benefits so much from having a steady, caring adult in their corner, and we’re grateful for the heart you bring to this role.
Thank You, Mentors
Thank you, truly, for giving your time, energy, and compassion. If you ever need support, have questions, or just want to talk something through, please reach out. We’re always here to help!
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Our Biggest Bridge the Gap 5K Yet:
A Celebration of Community and Opportunity
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The 7th Annual Bridge the Gap 5K presented by Florida Crystals brought our community together in the most powerful way yet, selling out with 1,100 registrants. Before the sun rose over the Blue Heron Bridge, our dedicated Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County and College for Kids staff were already on site, setting up, organizing, and greeting runners with the kind of energy and heart that define this event. Their commitment set the tone for a morning filled with connection, celebration, and purpose.
Thanks to the incredible support of our runners, sponsors, and donors, this year’s race raised $121,000 in scholarship funds, all of which will be matched dollar for dollar by the Florida Prepaid Foundation. This means twice the opportunity for students who are working hard to build a brighter future — and it reflects the deep generosity of a community that believes in them.
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From the starting horn to the final finisher, the course was alive with enthusiasm. We were thrilled to welcome every participant and cheer on every winner and finisher. Whether people ran, walked, or simply showed up to support, their presence made this our largest Bridge the Gap event ever, a milestone that speaks to the growing momentum behind our mission.
One of the most inspiring moments of the morning happened at our Mentor Table, where more than 100 people stopped by to learn about mentoring, and nearly 20 signed up on the spot. Each new mentor represents a life-changing relationship for a student — someone to guide, encourage, and help them stay on track for college success. We are deeply grateful to everyone who took that step.
| | | This event is a reflection of what’s possible when a community shows up — early, wholeheartedly, and with a shared belief in the power of education. To our staff, volunteers, partners, runners, mentors, and supporters: thank you for making this year’s Bridge the Gap 5K unforgettable. Your dedication helps us serve more students, open more doors, and continue bridging the gap for young people across Palm Beach County. | | |
At Take Stock in Children Palm Beach, our monthly Flamingo Award honors a team member who “stretches their neck out” to go above and beyond for our mission. This month, Wanda passed the award to Heather T. Bennett, Donor Relations Manager, in recognition of her exceptional leadership and commitment.
In January, Heather stepped in to lead our Stock the Cellars Wine Auction. Just one month later, she helped guide our Bridge the Gap 5K, welcoming more than 1,100 participants in support of college scholarships. Two major events, thirty days apart — a true example of initiative, teamwork, and dedication in action.
We are grateful for team members like Heather who consistently stretch beyond their roles and turn hard work into meaningful impact for the students we serve.
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Strengthening Alumni Pathways:
Outreach & Career Fair News
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Our alumni network continues to grow, and so does our commitment to staying connected! Over the past several weeks, we have been actively reaching out to graduates to reconnect, update contact information, and learn more about their current academic and career journeys.
Through personalized outreach efforts, we are confirming college enrollment, workforce placement, and identifying alumni who may benefit from additional support, mentorship, or scholarship opportunities. These connections allow us to celebrate milestones, provide ongoing guidance, and ensure our alumni remain linked to valuable program resources.
If you have not yet made an appointment with us, we encourage you to reconnect! Please contact asealy@takestockpalmbeach.org or srowley@takestockpalmbeach.org to schedule a time to meet with our team. We look forward to hearing from you!
Upcoming Career Fair with CareerSource
We are excited to announce an upcoming Career Fair with CareerSource! This event will provide students and alumni with direct access to local employers, workforce development professionals, and career training resources.
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Connect with hiring employers
- Learn about in-demand career pathways
- Receive resume-building support
- Explore certification and training programs
- Gain insight into job placement services
This collaboration is designed to strengthen our workforce pipeline and prepare our students and alumni for successful transitions into meaningful careers. We look forward to seeing our participants take full advantage of this incredible opportunity!
See more information here!
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Current Take Stock Mentors, don't forget to check out the Mentor HUB for regular updates and info!
| | Help Sponsor a Student Today! | | |
At Take Stock Palm Beach, we believe in the power of education to break the cycle of poverty. Right now, 15 promising students are eagerly waiting to join our program —but they need your help.
Our Waitlist Campaign highlights these students’ inspiring stories and dreams. By sponsoring a student, you’ll not only provide them with educational opportunities but also help pave their way to a brighter future.
Each student requires funding to unlock their future. This provides vital program services, including mentorship and college readiness support.
Your generosity will change lives, ensuring these students receive the support and resources they need to succeed. Any contribution—big or small—moves us closer to our goal of transforming lives through education. Together, we can make a difference.
Click here to learn more and make your donation today: Donate Here.
Thank you for believing in the power of education and for being a part of our mission to create lasting change in our community.
P.S. Every dollar makes a difference. Let’s work together to ensure no student is left waiting.
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We appreciate your time and interest in our organization. Take Stock in Children's program model is rated “best in class” by the Florida Legislature, with 98% of our students graduating high school and 74% obtaining a post-secondary credential (compared to only 27% of their peer group). For low-income and minority students, education is the key to success and upward mobility. Take Stock in Children is the single-largest nonprofit purchaser of Florida Prepaid College Foundation Scholarships, with assets totaling more than $250M and over $20M awarded to Palm Beach County students. Our scholarship plans are purchased at half-price and matched $ for $ through our partnership with the Florida Prepaid Foundation, enabling us to serve twice as many students.
Join us, "take stock in a child today," and help us ensure that all students, no matter their background, have equitable access to quality education.
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