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South Sumter High

Where Tradition Meets Excellence

Take Stock in Children Letter

Posted Date: 8/20/25 (9:25 AM)

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Take Stock in Children: What Parents Need to Know

Scholarships, Mentorship, and a Path to College for Eligible 8th Graders

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Did You Know?

Take Stock in Children (TSIC) is a powerful program that helps students build a path to college—starting in middle school. It offers long-term support through scholarships, mentorship, and academic guidance, helping students overcome financial barriers and achieve their goals.

How does it help?

TSIC provides:
  • 💰 A college scholarship that can significantly reduce or eliminate student debt
  • 🤝 A dedicated mentor who meets with students weekly at school
  • 🎯 Ongoing support to prepare students for college and career success

Who is eligible?
Current 8th-grade students in Lake or Sumter County public middle schools who:
  • Meet financial need guidelines (USDA or HUD)
  • Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher with no grades below a C
  • Have good attendance and behavior
  • Possess a Social Security number
  • Show motivation and commitment through an essay and two letters of recommendation

🗓️ Application Window:
August 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026

Why it matters:
TSIC helps students graduate high school and attend college with confidence—and without the heavy burden of student loans. Since 1996, more than 700 students in Lake and Sumter Counties have benefited from this opportunity.

📞 Questions?
Reach out to your child’s school for more information or contact the TSIC office at (352) 787-6576. You can also visit TSIC Lake & Sumter on Facebook to see stories and updates.

Let’s help our students take the first step toward a brighter future—one mentor, one scholarship, one dream at a time.
 
Apply Now
 
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Every dream starts with a step. Let’s take it together.

Support your student’s journey to college—because their future is worth it.