Phil Ammann
A Florida children’s nonprofit marks two decades of mentoring low-income and high-risk students with a Tallahassee rally next week.
Hosted by Take Stock in Children, the Rally in Tally will bring together more than 800 students, dignitaries and supporters – including Gov. Rick Scott and former University System Chancellor Frank Brogan – at the Historic Capitol Building at 11 a.m. Tuesday.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the group is holding the rally to show state lawmakers, through meetings with students and supporters from across the state, the affect of its scholarship and mentoring program. The goal is to demonstrate how Take Stock has changed the lives of low-income children, working to break the cycle of poverty.
“It’s exciting to look back at the impact the program … to provide deserving students the chance to change their lives through educational opportunities,” said Take Stock president and CEO Madeline Pumariega. “The Rally in Tally gives us the opportunity to reflect on what’s worked and the chance to look together collectively and determine what success should look like in another 20 years.”
Since launching in 1995, Take Stock in Children, a public-private partnership, has helped more than 24,000 low-income and high-risk students to surpass Florida’s college enrollment rate by 87 percent. It is the only statewide scholarship program in Florida to assist students with trained, dedicated mentors, who provide weekly meetings from middle school through high school graduation.
The Rally will feature students from 20 Florida counties: Alachua, Bay, Brevard, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Gadsden, Hernando, Hillsborough, Leon, Madison, Marion, Nassau, Pasco, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Union, Volusia and Wakulla.
Rally in Tally will be held on the steps of the Florida Historic Capitol Building (facing Apalachicola Parkway), 400 Monroe St. in Tallahassee. Information about the organization is at www.takestockinchildren.com.
