Miami, FL August 14, 2013
On Saturday, August 10th, 2013, Take Stock in Children held their annual Back To School Bash partnering with the Miami Dade Police Department, 1st United Bank, The Miami Foundation, The Children’s Trust, South Florida Workforce & Bank of America. The event provided deserving at risk youth and their families educational workshops, free barbecue lunch, music and entertainment by DJ Irie of the Miami Heat, along with school supplies and backpacks which were distributed courtesy of the Miami Dade Police Department. Over 900 students, parents, mentors and guests enjoyed the afternoon.
Over the summer, school supply drives were conducted throughout Miami Dade County by the Miami Dade Police Department and Bank of America to help support Take Stock in Children. In addition, The Children’s Trust donated book bags and First United Bank provided financial support and laptops to students who are mentored by their employees. “I was truly amazed by the generosity and outpouring of support that we received from our partners throughout the community. Through our combined efforts we were able to collect book bags and schools supplies for 700 students,” stated Tom Albano, Executive Director of Take Stock in Children- Miami Dade.
Take Stock in Children is a state-wide non-profit organization committed to promoting personal growth, self-responsibility, and academic success by providing scholarships, mentors and hope to Florida’s underprivileged youth. The program offers a unique set of resources for deserving at risk students who must sign a performance contract to maintain good grades, exhibit positive behavior, and remain crime and drug free. In turn, Take Stock in Children provides each student with a volunteer mentor, a student advocate, monthly workshops for students and parents on college readiness and transition, college campus tours, and a tuition scholarship to a Florida public college or university of their choice. In addition to the support Take Stock in Children provides while the students are in middle and high school, college placement, retention and completion services are also provided to ensure that each high school graduate uses their scholarship to obtain a college degree. The mission of Take Stock in Children is to help break the cycle of poverty in Miami Dade County by ensuring that students receive a college degree.