Take Stock In Children - Polk County

**Take Stock Year at a Glance**

Take Stock 2nd Annual Career Connect

Career Connect is an event designed to help students learn about potential career paths and make connections with industry professionals. Industry experts provided a priceless opportunity for networking and collaboration for our students and their futures as they explored their options for careers once they complete their post-secondary education.
In the style of "speed dating", Industry Representatives had 4 minutes with each group of students to deliver an elevator pitch, provide insights into their careers, educational background, salary expectations, and more. Students then had additional time at the end of the event to go back and network with representatives that interested them most.
Dinner was provided by GJQ, BBQ Competition Team from George Jenkins High School-Thank you Mr. Matt Townley!
A BIG THANK YOU to our 12 Industry Representatives for volunteering their time and providing our students with such an amazing learning and networking opportunity!
Bartow Ford- Blake Goodrich
Duke Energy- Clint Atkinson, Tim Schulze
Express Pros- Jim Plyler
Polk County Sheriff’s Office- Daniela Coy
Polk State College Programs- Jamie Selph, Jennifer Dunifon, Kevin Ferrier,
Leza Breckinridge, Maria Lehoczky, Rashod Webb
PreCon Construction- David Scmitt
Southeastern University- Jenna Kerchner
Tax Collector-Clifton Garcia
Wells Fargo- Maria Karnes and Robert Acosta

Congratulations outstanding Take Stock Laptop Recipients!💻

We are excited to honor three Take Stock scholars who have gone above and beyond in their academics, character, and commitment to their goals. They have embraced their mentorship, taken ownership of their education, and consistently demonstrated the qualities that make this program so powerful.
To support their continued success, the Polk Education Foundation proud to present each of them with a brand-new laptop. This is more than a device—it’s a tool that will help them learn, create, and stay connected as they move forward in their post-secondary career.
Let's celebrate Eduardo (not pictured), Emmanuel, and Maria. Congratulations to all of you!

Take Stock in Children

In celebration of National Mentoring Month, this week we are spotlighting TSIC Mentor Recruitment Day, on January 15! A time to share the impact of mentoring and inspiring others to join our mission. Take Stock in Children mentors play a life-changing role in the lives of our students, and now is the perfect time to encourage others to step up and make a difference.

We currently have 30 incoming freshman all over Polk County who are in need of mentors- just like YOU! 🤝
If you are ready to change the life of a Polk County Public Schools high school student, please contact Deanne Audette, 863-534-0519 x.207 or complete the Mentor Application today! https://formstack.io/D7DCD
We look forward to welcoming you to the Take Stock family!