A Transformational Year for Take Stock in Children Polk County: Expanded Scholarships, Milestones, and Unprecedented Student Success
May 27, 2026
The 2025–2026 school year was momentous for Take Stock in Children Polk County, a Polk Education Foundation program, marked by a 100 percent graduation rate, major scholarship announcements for seniors, and the Scholarship Scramble surpassing $1 million raised in its 23-year history. With 129 students supported through nearly 1,000 hours of mentoring and a wide range of enrichment and community-driven opportunities, the program advanced its mission in meaningful ways.
Last year began with a major milestone in October 2025, when the Kiwanis Club of Citrus Center co-hosted with Polk Education Foundation to present the 23rd Annual Scholarship Scramble golf tournament that benefits Take Stock in Children Polk County. Through the partnership, longstanding community support, and generous local business sponsorships, the event surpassed the $1 million mark in total funds raised for Take Stock scholarships since the tournament was first established.
Students also engaged in a variety of enrichment opportunities throughout the year. A Financial Literacy Series, supported by Wells Fargo and MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, equipped students with essential budgeting and money-management skills and concluded with the opportunity to open personal savings accounts. Students prepared for the SAT and ACT through a continued partnership with Huntington Learning Center. They also connected with thirteen industry professionals at Take Stock’s 2nd Annual Career Connect and participated in eight virtual sessions with community presenters. Additional experiences included a tour of the University of Central Florida and a visit to IES Residential, where students explored career pathways in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades.
The year’s progress culminated this April with Senior Night, where students, families, mentors, and supporters gathered for an evening of recognition and celebration. The 2026 graduating class received an extraordinary announcement: each senior would be awarded a four-year Florida College Scholarship, doubling the traditional two-year award and significantly expanding their access to higher education. The event also included a four-year dormitory scholarship through the Polk Education Foundation, providing full housing support for one exceptional student. In addition, three seniors received laptops funded jointly by Take Stock in Children and the Foundation, complementing the seventeen devices distributed earlier in the year through AT&T’s Bridging the Digital Divide grant funding. Lastly, to offer graduates a celebratory sendoff in recognition of their hard work and bright futures, the evening concluded with a surprise gift of 33 complimentary SeaWorld Orlando passes.
With expanded scholarships, strong community involvement, and record-setting achievements, Polk Education Foundation and Take Stock in Children Polk County conclude the 2025–2026 school year with immense pride and excitement for the opportunities ahead.
Contact
Lauren Morrish
Polk Education Foundation
863-534-0519, Ext: 203
