Page 37 - 2024 January report

GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES (DRAFT) (6)
A discussion began about how a grant like this one fits into JSF’s grantmaking portfolio. While it is not program related, it contributes to JSF’s role of being a good neighbor to its philanthropic peers. CLIP is not as grantee focused as initially hoped, but by helping funders it helps their partner organizations in an indirect way. A future consideration could be how much JSF funding wants to devote to these kinds of efforts.
The Committee approved as presented a matching grant for $90,000 over 3 years to support Exponent’s Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP) program.
10. Disadvantaged programing
a. Take Stock/Johnson Scholars Program
Malcolm welcomed the following individuals: Nancy Stellway, Executive Director of Take Stock in Children Palm Beach; Danielle Oldham, Director of Program Services for Take Stock in Children Palm Beach; Bo George, Instructional Specialist with the School District of Palm Beach County; Phara Lissade-Latour, Resource Teacher with the School District; Djenane Saintyl, a graduate of the program; and Edwin Müller, a graduate of the program. The Fall 2023 report on the program had been circulated.
Before being accepted into the Take Stock/Johnson Scholars program, students and their parents must sign a performance contract. Students agree to remain alcohol, crime and drug free, make good grades and graduate from high school. This year, the program serves 1,245 students in grades 6-12 and through their college years. About 700 students are currently pursuing a postsecondary degree. The goal is for them to graduate debt free. Mentors play an important role. They are recruited year round from across the county, and training is provided. Palm Beach County is now the 10th largest school district in the nation. Despite perceptions that the region is affluent, more than 45% of students are economically disadvantaged. The program began with 5 high schools and the number has grown to 12.
Ethnic and racial minorities make up an overwhelming majority of the students (95.5%) and most are female (64%). Mentor matching has been an issue. For instance, there are not enough Black male mentors to pair with students in the program. Yet, the program remains successful with 98% of students graduating from high school compared to 80% in their at-risk peer group.
Scholarships are the factor that limits further expansion of the program. Take Stock must have enough funding to purchase the Florida Prepaid Scholarships at the time students enter the program. The scholarships cover 60 college credits, or the equivalent of a 2-year degree. Students are advised about how to use the credits to their greatest advantage when factoring in other scholarships and financial aid.
A question was asked about Take Stock’s continuing support of students after they go to college. Nancy explained that with JSF’s help, Take Stock started a college retention program that was so successful that the statewide Take Stock in Children organization now operates it. A persistent challenge is that fewer students are wanting to attend college. There were also questions about whether the program has a method to identify students who have disabilities that could hinder their ability to participate. An analysis is done with each student that includes checking to see if they are receiving accommodations. Parents are involved in this process as well.
The two alumni shared their stories. Take Stock College Readiness Coach Djenane Saintyl comes from a family that emphasized education. She said her mentor provided an additional support system. In addition to being a role model, her mentor helped her get an internship at a local credit union. Djenane went on to graduate debt free from Florida Atlantic University, and she sees her role at Take Stock as a way of giving back.
Edwin Müller also believes in giving back, and he is now a mentor in the program. He works as a senior project manager at an urban planning firm. He spoke about his difficult upbringing, which included helping his parents clean offices at night. He said the scholarship was what drew him to the program. Like Djenane, he also attended FAU and avoided going into debt. He has gone on to earn his master’s degree, and he has had opportunities to work in Germany and China.
After their presentation, the Take Stock/Johnson Scholars participants were invited to stay for lunch, which they did. After lunch, they then left the meeting together with the rest of the report presenters for this program.
Page 35 HORIZONS