Areas of Expertise: Manages the Take Stock in Children Scholarship Program providing college scholarships, mentorship and long-term support for first-generation college students.
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Take Stock in Children
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The Power of
Connection
Take Stock in Children helps at-risk, low-income children succeed by providing college scholarships, volunteer mentors, student advocates, early intervention, and long-term support.
The Indian River State College Foundation leads the program in Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties. In the past 30 years, the program transformed the lives of more than 1,466 young people in our community.
Shape a Future
Give a little time, get a lot in return. It only takes a few hours a month to make a huge difference in the life of a child. Mentoring helps keep kids off drugs, out of gangs, and in school so they can fulfill their dreams. And, the best part is that you’ll not only see what it does for them, you’ll feel what it does for you.
Support a Scholarship
Through the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, the Indian River State College Foundation is able to purchase scholarships at a reduced rate, maximizing the impact of your gift.
$8,500 → $17,000
With this matching program, an $8,500 donation becomes a 4-year tuition scholarship worth $17,000. Contributions in any amount are welcome.
Damaris Olivera
“My scholarship has allowed me to become the first in my family to earn a degree. I am beyond grateful for being able to have this resource in order to achieve my dream of having an Education degree. I’m so happy to be working towards a career I have dreamed of since as long as I can remember. I want to be able to teach others and show them the value of having an education. Thank you for believing in me.”
Damaris is currently working at Our Village in Okeechobee as a Peer Support Leader while simultaneously pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services at IRSC.
David Delgado
David Delgado discovered his calling for nursing immediately after high school. Working as a CNA, he completed his prerequisites and joined The River’s nursing program. Inspired by nurses who cared for him during a difficult hospitalization, he strives to provide the same compassion to others. Supported by exceptional instructors, family, and peers, David looks forward to beginning his career at a hospital, especially in med-surg.
Tatiana Wallace
Tati went through our program, graduated from Vero Beach High School in 2023 and earned her AA degree in Human Services in Spring 2025. She is currently working as a Group Leader at Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy in Vero while also studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services at IRSC.
Diana Rodriguez
“This scholarship has allowed me to receive a college education completely debt-free. I am full of gratitude to everyone who has helped me along the way. I am on my way to achieving my dream of becoming a Nurse. Thank you so much for investing in the lives of students like me.”
Contact Us
Have questions about Take Stock in Children or want to learn how to get involved? Send us an inquiry, or tap a staff member’s About button to view their contact information.
Karen Aldana
- Program Director
- Take Stock in Children
Judith Morales
- College Success Coach
- Take Stock in Children
Judith Morales
- College Success Coach
Areas of Expertise: Supporting high school students in postsecondary readiness through mentoring support, financial aid navigation, academic progress, goal-setting, and successful transition to college.
- jmorales@irsc.edu
- (772) 462-7253
Lisa Zimmer
- College Success Coach
- Take Stock in Children
Lisa Zimmer
- College Success Coach
Areas of Expertise: Supporting high school students in postsecondary readiness through mentoring support, financial aid navigation, academic progress, goal-setting, and successful transition to college.
- lzimmer@irsc.edu
- (772) 462-7248