INK! Celebrates 21 Graduates from Take Stock in Children Class of 2026
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (May 14, 2026)—The St. Johns County Education Foundation, operating as Investing in Kids (INK!), proudly celebrates the Take Stock in Children St. Johns County Class of 2026, including a very special milestone – 21 seniors are graduating as the program celebrates the 25th anniversary of the first graduate of Take Stock in Children of St. Johns County in 2001. The program is a non-profit mentoring, college success, and college scholarship organization dedicated to transforming Florida one student at a time. INK! has managed Take Stock in Children of St. Johns County since 1998, granting over $2.4 million in donor-supported scholarships.
“One hundred percent of our Take Stock in Children 2026 graduates are moving on to post-secondary education,” said Cathy Newman, INK!’s Executive Director. “This is a milestone for the program in St. Johns County and continues a long history of success. Since the program started, 96 percent of our local Take Stock graduates have continued their education past high school, with 61 percent earning a post-secondary degree or career certification. We are thankful for our amazing donors, growing alumni group, and volunteer mentors, comprised of business professionals, leaders, and community members.”
Take Stock in Children of Florida’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty for low-income, academically capable students by providing opportunities through postsecondary education. As the local partner for the statewide Take Stock in Children organization, INK! helps students graduate from high school with individualized support through mentoring, college and career readiness coaching, scholarships, and financial aid counseling. Students must maintain a 2.5 grade point average, stay in school, and remain drug and crime-free. Upon graduation, Take Stock in Children scholars earn scholarships through the Florida Prepaid Foundation with a value equal to 60 credit hours of Florida state college tuition. This year’s graduating seniors are continuing their education at the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida A&M University, University of North Florida, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, Florida International University, Jacksonville University, Florida Southern College, Penn State University, University of South Carolina, St. Johns River State College, Santa Fe College, Palm Beach State College, and First Coast Technical College. This year, INK! is honored to celebrate a special Super Senior scholarship award in memory of Mr. Jim Davidson. Mr. Davidson’s family is a long-time supporter of the local Take Stock program through their Davidson Cares Foundation.
