Welcome
Take Stock in Children is a comprehensive program that 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 is the lead agency for Take Stock 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.
Partnerships with local school districts, the Florida Prepaid Foundation, and countless businesses and individuals are vital to the continuation of this highly successful program.
Become a Mentor
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.
To become a mentor please click here.
Support a Scholarship
The lives of at-risk children are being transformed by the opportunity of education through the Take Stock in Children program. Community support is vital to the continuation of this highly successful program. Without the support of caring businesses and individuals in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties, the President’s Challenge/Take Stock in Children scholarship program would not be so successful.
Through the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, the Indian River State College Foundation is able to purchase scholarships at a reduced rate which maximizes the impact of your gift to the Take Stock in Children Program. A single scholarship is currently $8,500, and with this matching program, an $8,500 donation becomes a 4-year tuition scholarship worth $17,000! Contributions in any amount are welcome and, when combined with other donations, provide not only a scholarship but the opportunity to impact lives. For more information about the Take Stock in Children Program, please contact Karen Aldana at 772-462-7252 or via e-mail at kaldana@irsc.edu.
Contact Us
Karen Aldana
Judith Morales
Lisa Zimmer
Student Success Stories
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 Olivera, Okeechobee High School Graduate, Class of 2022 and Indian River State College Graduate, Class of 2024.
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.”
— Diana Rodriguez, Port Saint Lucie High School Graduate, Class of 2024 and Indian River State College Graduate, Class of 2025.
