Investment in children pays lifetime dividends

December is a time we give and we receive. It's a time of anticipation and expectation.

Giving and receiving, anticipation and expectations are more than seasonal when Take Stock in Children Manatee awards a scholarship to a deserving student.

This fall 300 families worked through the application process in an attempt to acquire a scholarship for a son or daughter. They revealed their family story, wrote why their child should be considered and waited. Of these applications, Take Stock is giving 27 student scholars the opportunity for that life-changing scholarship.

Take Stock in Children Manatee has a 96 percent high school graduation rate of students in the program. Each student applies, signs a contract to get good grades, stays drug free, meets with a mentor once a week and works toward high school graduation.

These students are a long-term investment in the future of our community. The students' contributions to this investment include perseverance, academic achievement and demonstrating good character.

The 2015 class of TSIC seniors (entered as sixth to ninth graders) has a 100 percent matriculation rate to the college/university of their choice. Long-term investment equals long-term success.

These students have their eyes on a life-changing goal with caring mentors walking beside them. A four-year scholarship is purchased in the student's name for $10,000 when he/she enters the program. The scholarship waits for the student to fulfill the contact and graduate high school. Changing lives takes time.

Many more families want the opportunity that offers a mentor, a scholarship, and hope. This community can make a long-term change for students. If you donate to Take Stock in Children Manatee, every dollar is matched.

When you donate time or money, know that you are investing in a long-term goal. Go to takestockmanatee.org.

Another student is waiting.

Elaine Graham

Bradenton

This story was originally published December 11, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Investment in children pays lifetime dividends ."