21 Florida Students Win Full Scholarships, Break Poverty Cycle

Twenty-one students in St. Johns County, Florida, are celebrating life-changing news: they're all heading to college on full scholarships, breaking cycles of poverty that have held their families back for generations.

The Take Stock in Children program just graduated its Class of 2026 with a perfect track record. All 21 seniors from low-income families earned scholarships covering 60 credit hours at Florida state colleges through the Florida Prepaid Foundation.

The students maintained a 2.5 grade point average, stayed in school, and avoided drugs and crime throughout the program. In return, they received mentoring from business professionals, college readiness coaching, and financial aid guidance from the St. Johns County Education Foundation.

This milestone marks the 25th anniversary of the program's first graduate. Since 1998, the foundation has awarded more than $2.4 million in scholarships to deserving students.

The numbers tell a powerful story of success. Ninety-six percent of local Take Stock graduates have continued their education past high school, and 61 percent have earned post-secondary degrees or career certifications.

These 21 graduates are now heading to impressive institutions. Their destinations include the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida A&M University, the University of Central Florida, and even Penn State University.

The Ripple Effect

The program's impact extends far beyond individual students. When one person in a family earns a college degree, it creates a blueprint for siblings, cousins, and future generations to follow.

Executive Director Cathy Newman credits the program's success to an entire community of supporters. Volunteer mentors, donors, and a growing alumni network have created a safety net that catches students who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

The program is now accepting applications from St. Johns County public school students in grades seven through ten. Future mentors and supporters can help write the next chapter of this success story.

These 21 graduates prove that talent and potential exist everywhere, but opportunity doesn't always reach the students who need it most.