Opportunities for Pinellas County Students
Resources for Students
We believe you deserve the opportunity to build a successful future. Through our scholarships, mentoring program and college and career support, we encourage you to explore your passions, develop your talents and confidently take your next steps after high school.
Whether your path leads to college, technical training, or the workforce, we want to help you unlock your full potential and achieve long-term success!
Take Stock in Children
Our Take Stock in Children (TSIC) mentoring program provides students in grades 6–12 with the support they need to achieve their college and career dreams. This program helps students overcome barriers to success through consistent one-on-one guidance through college readiness coaching, mentorship and scholarships. Selected students receive at minimum a two-year Florida Prepaid Scholarship upon graduation.
Applications are open from August to November each school year.
Newly Signed TSIC Students
If you are a newly signed middle or high school student in the TSIC mentoring program, you are required to complete a student update and a sponsor thank you letter. You must also attend a Coaching/Mentoring Information Event and a group mentoring session before the end of the school year.
Access these links to meet your requirements:
Current TSIC Student Meeting Requirements
You are required to meet with your College Success Coach once a semester up until the 11th grade. During 11th and 12th grade, you are required to meet with your College Success Coach twice a semester. You must complete a coaching form after each meeting.
Access these forms to complete your meeting requirements:
You must also participate in 15 mentoring sessions per year. If you do not have an assigned mentor or are falling behind in sessions, you can join group mentoring sessions. Click the link below to sign up.
TSIC College Students
If you are a TSIC college student, you are required to complete an annual update and a sponsor thank you letter between May 15 through June 30 each year.
Senior Scholarships
We want every student graduating with a clear vision for their future—and the full capacity and support to pursue it. We’re proud to offer a variety of scholarships based on academic achievement, talent and financial need. Each year, we award more than $700,000 in scholarships ranging from $500 to $20,000 to graduating Pinellas County seniors.
You only need to fill out one application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on your needs and goals – whether you’re planning to attend traditional college, technical, culinary or arts schools. You may be asked to submit additional information such as essays, letters of recommendation, or financial documents. If that’s the case, the application will prompt you for additional requirements.
The Senior Scholarship application period is open from September 30 through January 31 each year.
College and Career Centers
We are here to help you become tomorrow’s workforce. Every Pinellas County High School has a College and Career Center. It is your hub to explore, plan and dream about your future. College and Career Readiness Coordinators offer personalized support to you and your family to navigate college and career planning. Services include: college and career exploration, planning, parent and student Engagement, college entry test preparation, financial aid, workshops and more.
Walker’s Rising Stars
Are you a Pinellas County high school junior or senior with a passion for the arts?
Walker’s Rising Stars Scholarship Competition is a year-long initiative designed to help you hone your audition, portfolio, and performance skills. With expert advice and feedback, you’ll have the chance to compete for college scholarships in six categories: Culinary Arts, Dance, Instrumental, Theater, Visual Arts, and Vocal Performance. The competition ends with a live performance at the Mahaffey Theater, where finalists showcase their talents in front of an audience and industry judges.
Since it began, Walker’s Rising Stars has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to talented students like you. Past winners have performed on Broadway, appeared on TV shows, displayed their art in major galleries, and taught the next generation of artists. Now, it’s your turn to step into the spotlight and take the stage.