2011-2012 Program Outcomes:

• 529 adult learners were assisted with reading and English.
• 129 adult learners were assisted in gaining employment.
• 383 children received tutoring and literacy enrichment to improve reading skills.
• 440 children were provided with homework help.
• 2,117 brand new books were provided to low income children.
• 363 volunteers were recruited, supported or trained and gave 4,981 volunteer hours at service projects and literacy programs.
• 1,160 at-risk youth were coached, tutored and mentored for academic success.
• 40 full time AmeriCorps members contributed 68,000 hours of service in tutoring, mentoring, community service events and volunteer recruitment.

PROGRAM IMPACT

March 1st was one of the greatest days of my life. All 21 of the seniors I had mentored graduated from the Take Stock in Children program and all of them will soon use their full-tuition scholarships for college. That night I received the biggest hug from Tonya. “I got into Florida State University,” she said. “Thank you so much for all of your help!” Milestones like these are far from ordinary, especially in her hometown of Belle Glade.

When Tonya was inducted into the program in the seventh grade, she faced several challenges. Labeled the “weird quiet girl” and picked on by students in her class, she felt like an outcast and often sat alone at lunch, passing the time by drawing and reading.

During her time in the program, both her mother and father passed away from cancer. Tonya’s grades dropped, as did her enthusiasm and excitement for school. However, with the help of friends, family and this mentoring program, Tonya reignited her passion for her studies and started to take her education seriously again.

She started taking rigorous coursework to increase her GPA and became involved in extracurricular activities like drama club and marching band. She attended many educational and professional development workshops, met with her mentor every week and her student advocate every month.

When I met Tonya, she was shy and quiet, but always ready and willing to learn. During our time together, we created an individual development plan that focused on all the goals she wants to accomplish personally, professionally and academically. From SAT and ACT preparation to scholarship and financial aid, we worked together to check off items on her list. When she receives her diploma from Glades Central High School in May, every goal on her list will be marked as completed.

Despite losing both her parents to cancer, she was able to persevere and will be one of the first people in her family to go to college on a full scholarship where she will double major in graphic design and information technology.

 Jacqueline Ivy serves as a Literacy Coalition AmeriCorps member mentoring high school students.