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Dear Take Stock Palm Beach, College for Kids Program,
Welcome to the November edition of the Take Stock Tribune! As we move into the season of gratitude, we’re reflecting on all the exciting moments that have filled this month with connection, opportunity, and generosity. From our Mentor/Mentee Event at PopStroke in West Palm Beach—where students and mentors came together for an afternoon of fun, teamwork, and bonding—to our College Tours Bus Trips that took students across Florida to explore university campuses and dream about their futures, November has been full of inspiration.
We’re also thrilled to share our partnership with the Boca West Children’s Foundation and their Super Bowl Raffle, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience while supporting our mission to provide college scholarships and mentorship for Palm Beach County students. There’s so much more to celebrate this month, so read on for the latest highlights, photos, and ways to get involved as we close out an incredible year together!
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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
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In just 24 hours, over 120 students embarked on a powerful journey across Florida, visiting 9 colleges and universities in 3 regions. This incredible trip was made possible through the coordination of 3 dedicated buses and the collaboration of our committed school partners and campus teams.
Where we went
- North Florida: Florida State University (FSU), Florida A&M University (FAMU), and Santa Fe College
- Jacksonville region: University of North Florida (UNF) and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) – Downtown and North Campuses
- Central and South Florida: Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Fort Myers, Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton
What students experienced
- Interactions with admissions staff and campus representatives
- Tours of classrooms, student centers, and campuses
- Insight into academic programs, campus life, and the spectrum of opportunities after high school
The tour wasn’t just about visiting campuses—it was about expanding horizons, igniting ambition, and helping students visualize their futures. The energy, curiosity, and confidence displayed throughout the journey indicate bright paths ahead and are precisely the outcomes we strive for in our program. As students begin making informed choices about their next chapters, your support continues to propel them forward. We remain committed to providing mentorship, resources, and experiences that empower scholarship recipients to pursue higher education with confidence.
| | Mentor/Mentee Appreciation Event at PopStroke | | |
On October 17th, we hosted an inspiring Mentor/Mentee event at PopStroke in West Palm Beach, bringing together more than 180 students and mentors for a morning of fun, connection, and personal growth.
The day was filled with friendly golf games, engaging skill-building activities, and meaningful conversations. This event offered students a special chance to connect with their mentors outside the classroom, strengthening relationships and gaining valuable life lessons in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.
After several lively rounds of mini-golf, everyone gathered to share a delicious lunch. Conversations flowed easily as mentors and mentees reflected on the morning’s activities, deepening their bonds and celebrating their shared experiences.
Our program’s dedication to mentorship and student support remains at the heart of our mission—to help young people achieve their dreams. Events like this highlight the powerful impact of mentorship, offering students not only guidance in their academic and career paths but also a strong sense of community and belonging.
A heartfelt thank-you to all the mentors and students who joined us. We look forward to more memorable and meaningful events ahead!
| | A message from the Alumni Team... | | |
Hi Alum!
Happy Friday, we are excited to bring you a motivational nugget for you to meditate on as you walk out of a week of plenty of changes, good or bad. We want you to know:
"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."
Sometimes you have to walk through a few "No's" to get to that one life-changing "YES". Along the way, do not lose hope of your end goal!
| | Did You Know About CareerSource? | | |
Are you underemployed, looking to transition careers, or simply exploring your next step after graduation? CareerSource is here to help!
Through their Young Adult Program (for ages 18–24), CareerSource connects out-of-school young adults, graduates, and even college students taking a break with career exploration, resume building, mock interview practice, and internship opportunities—many of which can lead to full-time employment with partnered companies. Even if you are currently enrolled, CareerSource is an amazing resource for professional development opportunities to secure a job in your desired career field after graduation.
Take Stock Palm Beach is proud to collaborate with CareerSource to ensure our students and alumni are supported every step of the way!
| | Donate $100 to Win a Trip to the Super Bowl! | | |
This Season of Giving, Make a Difference!
Join us in transforming lives by purchasing a raffle ticket for just $100.
Every $100 donation or more 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 mailed after purchase.
Thank you for your support!
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Because there is so much admiration for every team member who helps make Take Stock Palm Beach thrive, choosing who to pass the Flamingo Legend award to was no easy decision—it took thoughtful consideration and reflection.
This month’s honoree was chosen for her exceptional people skills, which truly operate on another level. Kind, patient, compassionate, and endlessly willing to help, she brings heart and positivity to everything she does. Her calm presence and gentle demeanor shine through in every conversation, whether she’s mentoring a colleague, guiding a student, or solving a challenge with grace.
Elissa’s ability to balance professionalism with genuine care is nothing short of inspiring. Despite her petite frame, her presence is mighty—she lifts others up, leads by example, and consistently makes the workplace brighter and stronger.
When she stepped into her role, she had big shoes to fill—and she exceeded every expectation with poise, dedication, and confidence. She devoted countless hours to training new teammates, and even when faced with transitions and changes, she handled each one with unwavering positivity and professionalism.
Take Stock Palm Beach is proud to recognize Elissa, Mentor Manager, as this month’s Flamingo Legend!
| | 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.
| | | Boca West Children's Foundation | | |
This month, we celebrate our partnership with the Boca West Children’s Foundation which has been a valued partner in our mission since 2021. Thanks to the generosity of the residents in Boca West, more underserved students from the Boca Raton community now have the promise of a post-secondary education and a future with endless potential. Through both program and scholarship support, a total of twelve students have directly benefited from the foundation’s generosity. This includes four students who are fully immersed in their freshman year of college and eight more who are looking forward to starting college after graduating from high school with the Class of 2026.
Whether it is grant funding, money raised through raffle tickets, teeing off in the Arthur Adler Memorial Golf Challenge, or providing mentors for our students at Olympic Heights Community High School, our collaboration with Boca West is invaluable. We are so grateful for all the Boca West Children’s Foundation does to make Boca Raton, and Palm Beach County as a whole, a better place for vulnerable children and families to live.
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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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