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College & Career Readiness

Empowering Students for the Future

Pinellas Education Foundation is committed to ensuring that every student in Pinellas County Schools has a path to career and economic success after high school. Our community thrives when students are prepared to take the next step—whether it is continuing their education or launching their careers—empowering a brighter future for all.

We strategically invest in programs that prepare students for post-secondary education and equip them with the skills they need to enter the workforce.

Unlocking Opportunities

with Scholarships

Financial hardship is the number one barrier to students seeking post-secondary education. We manage over 200 scholarships entrusted to us by community members and award them to graduating seniors. These scholarships vary in amount based on the criteria set by donors who fund them.

Seniors apply for these scholarships through a single application and are matched with multiple scholarships based on academic achievements, talents, and financial needs. Each scholarship is unique, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. By providing financial support, these scholarships can transform a student’s educational journey, opening doors to opportunities that might have otherwise been out of reach.

VIEW SCHOLARSHIPS

Transforming Lives

through Mentorship

Our Take Stock in Children mentoring program is a life-changing initiative that breaks the cycle of generational poverty by pairing students with identified risk factors with college success coaches, caring volunteer mentors and the promise of a college scholarship to support their journey to a brighter future.

Students enter the program between grades 6-9 and are supported through high school graduation. All Take Stock in Children scholars sign a contract promising to maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher, exhibit good behavior, meet with their mentor regularly and remain drug- and crime-free. Once students meet program requirements and graduate from high school, they receive at minimum a two-year Florida Prepaid Scholarship.

VIEW PROGRAM
Supporting the Future:

College & Career Centers

Career exploration enables students to build their skills and interests, guiding them to set goals for meaningful job opportunities. Together with key partners, we assisted the district with launching College and Career Centers in every single high school in Pinellas County.

Each center is staffed with a College and Career Readiness Coordinator who provides individualized and targeted assistance to navigate the college-going process. The centers focus on:

  • College and career exploration
  • Post-secondary planning
  • Parent and student engagement
  • College entry test preparation
  • Financial aid and more
VIEW CENTERS

Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Today

1,100

Students served annually through our Take Stock in Children mentoring program.

5,000,000

Awarded to graduating seniors last year.

8,000

Students received one-on-one support in all 17 college and career centers last year.

Mentoring Impact

“What truly transformed my experience was the mentor I gained through Take Stock in Children. Mentorship, for me, has been a lifeline. My mentor served as a guiding light, offering wisdom and support at every critical juncture, especially during the college application process.”

– Vidi L., Take Stock in Children Mentoring Program Alumni

Teacher Impact

“The work you do in uplifting educators makes such a difference in our ability to inspire, innovate, and serve our students. I am beyond grateful for all that you’ve done to support me, and I will continue to pour that gratitude back into the work I do every day.”

– Natalie S., Visual Arts Teacher

Mentoring Impact

“My mentor has been an outstanding person for me throughout high school, she has offered support, encouragement, and wisdom since the beginning that has helped me navigate challenges, set goals and grow as a person. Her guidance, serving as a light, shaping my confidence and aspirations, inspiring me to strive for excellence and to believe in my potential.”

– Valerie O., Take Stock in Children Mentoring Program, Class of 2025

Scholarship Impact

“The support from the scholarship program has been a huge source of motivation for me. Knowing that others believe in my potential and are willing to invest in my education has inspired me to work even harder toward my goals.”

– Kelvin A., Scholarship Recipient

Classroom Impact

“The Literacy Magazine project I received funding for impacts so many students at our school. Students can submit a poem, short story, flash fiction, artwork, or photos for publishing consideration. They anxiously await the magazine’s arrival, and when it does, the excitement is palpable. On behalf of all students and staff members who love to read students’ original writing and see their creative art, thank you very much.”

Teresa Z., Classroom Grant Recipient

Become a Mentor

or Volunteer

You can help students build a solid foundation of values, establish goals, improve their academic and life skills, while developing self-esteem and confidence.
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

Partners in Impact

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Join Us in Making a Difference!

DONATE TODAY

Our Office

12090 Starkey Rd, Largo, FL 33773
(727) 588-4816
[email protected]

8 AM – 5 PM Monday – Friday

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