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Dear Take Stock Palm Beach, College for Kids Program,
Welcome to the January edition of the Take Stock Tribune! This month, we’re celebrating the heart of our program—our incredible mentors—as January is officially Mentor Appreciation Month. Their commitment, guidance, and belief in our students make everything we do possible, and we’re excited to honor them at our upcoming Mentor Appreciation Event on January 14th at the Hilton West Palm Beach.
January is also packed with excitement as we gear up for one of our most anticipated events of the year—the Stock the Cellars Charity Wine Auction. This signature evening brings our community together in support of our students’ futures, and we can’t wait to raise critical funds for college scholarships. And while January is busy, we’re already counting down to February! Next month marks the 7th Annual Bridge the Gap 5K, our biggest race of the year, bringing runners, walkers, families, and supporters together to champion education and opportunity.
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Thank you for being an essential part of our family. Stay tuned for more updates by following our emails, newsletter and social media pages. Wishing you all a great month.
Warmly,
The Take Stock Palm Beach, College for Kids Team
| | | | Expanding Horizons: Introducing the TradeUp! Program | | |
College for Kids is thrilled to announce the launch of TradeUp!, a trade-focused initiative designed for students who are ready to pursue careers in the skilled trades. While our traditional Take Stock in Children (TSIC) framework focuses on a conventional college pathway, TradeUp! is specifically tailored for students pursuing hands-on vocational careers. Our industry tracks are strategically aligned with programs at Palm Beach State College, though we empower our students to explore any vocational institution that best fits their specific trade goals.
As Palm Beach County continues to experience rapid growth, the demand for skilled professionals in fields such as Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Automotive Service Technology, Construction, and Electrical has never been higher. To support our students, we will provide consistent monthly coaching sessions with our college readiness coaches to track their high school progress toward graduation. Also, students receive dedicated trade-focused mentor sessions in which industry experts help them explore these fields and determine their ideal career trajectory, providing a look at a "day in the life" of a trade professional.
Leading the charge for this exciting initiative is Zana Sledge, who is spearheading its development and implementation. As a proud Take Stock in Children alumna herself, Zana brings a deep personal connection to our mission and is dedicated to providing the next generation of students with the same life-changing opportunities she received. She is currently working to identify motivated students and guiding them through the enrollment process to launch their journey toward career success. Through TradeUp!, College for Kids is proud to be building the next generation of Palm Beach County’s essential workforce.
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At Take Stock Palm Beach, we are inspired every day by the life‑changing power of mentorship. As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, we are filled with gratitude and pride as we honor the extraordinary mentors whose dedication, compassion, and unwavering support continue to open doors, spark confidence, and transform the futures of our students.
Mentors have poured their time, wisdom, and compassion into our students, offering guidance, support, and encouragement that have helped shape countless young lives. Their dedication to nurturing academic achievement, personal growth, and brighter futures for our scholars reflects the very best of what a caring community can be.
This year, we are especially proud to honor Sonia Soto-Ramirez as our Mentor of the Year. As the dedicated coordinator at Pahokee Middle-Senior High School, Sonia has spent years going above and beyond—advocating fiercely for her students, uplifting their voices, and ensuring they feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving their dreams. Her passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment embody the true spirit of mentorship and community.
To every mentor who walks alongside our scholars—you inspire us, you strengthen our mission, and you change lives every day.
Thank you to all our mentors for the passion, compassion, and unwavering belief you bring to the power of education. Your dedication transforms lives, strengthens our mission, and creates opportunities that ripple far beyond the classroom. We are profoundly grateful for the light you bring to our students and our community.
Here’s to continuing this meaningful work together and changing futures, one student at a time.
-Elissa and Annie
| | Every $100 Donated Receives a Raffle Entry! | | |
Join us in transforming lives by purchasing a raffle ticket for just $100.
For every $100 donation, you will be entered into a drawing for your chance to win 3 amazing prizes, including a grand prize of an all-expense-paid VIP trip to the Super Bowl LX in California!
Why Give?
- Your support directly impacts students’ education and career goals.
- You could win amazing prizes while giving the gift of opportunity!
Let’s spread joy and opportunity this holiday season. Together, we can ensure every child has the chance to succeed.
**Raffle tickets will be emailed after purchase.
Raffle Drawing
Friday, January 16 at 10:30am LIVE on Boca West Children's Foundation Facebook page.
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Take Stock Palm Beach is proud to recognize Laura, College Readiness Coach, as this month’s Flamingo Legend!
This month, we are proud to recognize Laura as our Flamingo Legend of the Month. Although she is new to the team, Laura has already made a meaningful and lasting impression. From day one, she jumped right into the hustle and bustle of our work, embracing every opportunity to contribute and support those around her.
Laura never hesitates to step in when help is needed and does so with a positive, can-do attitude that truly lifts the entire team. Her eagerness to learn, collaborate, and show up wholeheartedly reflects the very essence of what it means to be a Flamingo Legend. We are so grateful to have her on the Take Stock Palm Beach team and look forward to growing alongside her throughout her journey with us.
| | 7th Annual Bridge the Gap 5K | | |
Mark your calendars! The 7th Annual Bridge the Gap 5K presented by Florida Crystals will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Riviera Beach at the Ocean Walk Mall on Singer Island. This scenic race takes runners and walkers over the iconic Blue Heron Bridge, offering breathtaking water views along the way.
Participants will enjoy a lively morning of fitness and community, with fun vendor booths, music, pre-race coffee, bananas and bagels as well as a post-race breakfast all provided by Castaways Bar & Grill. Whether you’re racing to beat your best time, walking with friends, or cheering from the sidelines, this event is the perfect way to come together and support Take Stock Palm Beach.
Proceeds from the race will help provide life-changing college scholarships, volunteer mentors, and college readiness programs for local students. Join us for an unforgettable morning by the water—while making a lasting difference in the lives of our future leaders.
| | | Exciting Events Coming Up! | | |
Happy New Year, Alumni!
Your continued engagement, leadership, and willingness to give back are what make our alumni community so powerful. Because of you, our network continues to grow stronger by opening doors, creating opportunities, and inspiring the next generation.
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to our Alumni Ambassadors, who planned, organized, and led last month’s Winter Social from start to finish. Your vision, teamwork, and dedication brought the event to life and made it such a meaningful and successful gathering. We’re incredibly grateful for the time and energy you poured into creating a space for connection and celebration within our alumni community.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to invite you to the following upcoming events:
- January 14 – Alumni Appreciation Event
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Join us for an evening dedicated to celebrating you. Connect with fellow alumni, mentors, and staff while enjoying light refreshments, music, and meaningful conversation. RSVP HERE.
- February 18 – Career Tours
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Gain firsthand exposure to professional pathways through exclusive career tours with Carrier and the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office. Save your spot here.
- February 28 – Bridge the Gap Annual 5K
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Walk, run, or cheer alongside our Alumni Team as we support our mission together.
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👉 Sign up here!
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🎟️ Promo Code: ALUMNI26 (Save $25)
We are excited to continue building the alumni community together. 💙
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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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