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On Tuesday, May 18, The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools celebrated the induction of 35 new students in the Take Stock in Children Program. Students who successfully complete the program are awarded a four-year tuition scholarship upon graduation from high school. Students are paired with a caring adult mentor to help guide them on their pathway to college success and beyond.
Ten middle school students and 25 high school students will be exposed to college and career opportunities throughout their time in the program. The Foundation's College Success Coach, Student Services Coordinator, and Mentor Coordinator help these students succeed and break the cycle of poverty.
The virtual luncheon served as an opportunity for parents, educators, and members of the business community to recognize the students for all their hard work they put forth to get into the Take Stock in Children Program.
Take Stock in Children was established in 1995 as a statewide scholarship program that provides a unique opportunity for deserving low-income youth to escape the cycle of poverty through education. The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools administers the program in Lee County. Students enter the program in sixth or ninth grade and commit to remaining crime- and drug-free, maintaining a 2.5 GPA or higher, and meeting with a mentor regularly.
2021 New Scholars
Eddie Jose Ventura, Bonita Springs High School
Christopher Mancilla, Bonita Springs High School
Evely Castro Garcia, Bonita Springs High School
Emily Vasquez, Bonita Springs Middle School
Joshua Hicks, Cape Coral High School
Jacob Martinez, Cape Coral High School
Kenea Jackson, Dunbar High School
Tyshaun Tobler, Dunbar High School
Travaja Duncan, Dunbar High School
Andrea Aragon, Fort Myers High School
Daniella Ronda, Gateway High School
Juan Velasquez-Castro, Gateway High School
Skylar Abaraca, Gateway High School
Ashley Carcamo-Najera, Gateway High School
Olivia Cahoon, Gateway High School
Xandro Rodriguez, Harns Marsh Middle School
Aliyah Glidden, Harns Marsh Middle School
Christian Lazo, Harns Marsh Middle School
Isaac Gonzalez-Amador, Harns Marsh Middle School
Adela Rodriguez, Harns Marsh Middle School
Elise DeJesus, Ida S. Baker High School
Kyhen Nelson, Lehigh Senior High School
Lissandra Almeida, Lehigh Senior High School
Shylah Vega, Lehigh Senior High School
Caden Copeland, Lehigh Senior High School
Sophia Foy, Mariner High School
Camila Calderon, Mariner High School
Amber Irwin, North Ft Myers High School
Juan Felipe Jimenez, Oak Hammock MS
Francesca Jean Louis, South Ft Myers Hight School
Zaniya Thomas, South Ft Myers Middle School
Jacqueline Vidal-Reyes, South Ft Myers High School
Josue Ramirez-Hernandez, Three Oaks Middle School
Eliseo Ramirez-Lopez, Three Oaks Middle School
Alexandra Kerr, Varsity Lake Middle School