The Joy of Giving

BY MAGGIE KLEIN

KONKLIFE STAFF WRITER 

Monroe County Education Foundation (MCEF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and improving educational experiences of the students within Monroe County. The organization was established in 1996, and ever since, has provided financial support, and sponsored several programs designed to expand students’ educational opportunities and experiences. 

Within the foundation, there is a flagship program called Take Stock in Children (TSIC). This program grants college scholarships during high school graduation to students in 7th to 12th grade who are members of low-income families that reside in the County. But more importantly, it provides many students the opportunity of a lifetime- through their mentoring program. TSIC is an award-winning model in the State of Florida, and, according to MCEF’s website, “a concerted endeavor consisting of almost 300 dedicated volunteer mentors and students with a network of individual donors, corporate sponsors and a hardworking staff.” So, where can you, dear reader, enter into the equation? Well, consider becoming a mentor for the program! Take Stock in Children is actively recruiting members for the current and incoming “Take Stock Scholars”.

Students learn to value hard work and dedication from people in their lives who set a good example. Mentors can have a significant influence on a student’s future. By building a foundation of self worth and confidence, a mentor’s efforts can propel a student onto a promising path. Chuck Licis-Masson, the Executive Director at MCEF, stresses that mentoring for the program is not the same thing as tutoring. He explains the role in further detail by saying, “Being a mentor is being a caring adult in the student’s life who listens and helps guide them through middle and high school. Mentors help students form resiliency and self advocacy skills, as well as providing them with someone they can lean on.” Licis-Masson also mentioned how rewarding it is to fill the role. He said that he often hears from mentors that they get even more out of it than the students themselves. He further says, “The position of being a mentor is incredibly rewarding in so many different ways, for everyone involved. Mentors tell me that they look forward to the time they spend with their students, and many even stay in touch with their students and become a part of their lives after their required time together ends.” 

So, who can be a mentor? Any responsible and caring adult that can meet with a student on a consistent basis! The minimum amount of time that a mentor is required to spend with their assigned student is one half hour a week during the school year— emphasis on minimum amount! As a result of a maintained schedule between the mentor and student, a relationship will blossom, and the help provided by the mentor will prove to be rewarding. 

Take Stock is aiming to recruit new mentors throughout the Florida Keys, including 50 from the Lower Keys, 25 from Marathon, and 25 from the Upper Keys. In order to succeed in this role, each mentor attends an orientation and a training session. Shortly after, they meet their student at school during a mentor-student gathering. From this point on, the relationships develop, and soon the partnership that the two develop will prove to be valuable to both student and mentor. The experience is very rewarding and unique, so, what are you waiting for? Head to monroecountyedfound.com, and apply!

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