Take Stock in Children Takes Top Honors for Innovation

Chosen by Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce for Innovation and Excellence during 14th Annual NOVO Awards

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May 07, 2015, 07:20 ET

MIAMI, May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Take Stock in Children was recently recognized as an Innovative Program of Excellence by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce during the chamber's 14^th annual NOVO Awards. The NOVO Awards honors nonprofit organizations and board leaders that not only make a difference in the communities they serve, but also exemplify innovative excellence.

Pictured are (from left) Lovely Noel, Take Stock in Children College Success Coach, Sal Ferradas, U.S. Trust and Take Stock in Children Board Member, Marilyn Emas, Take Stock in Children Vice President of Development; John Locke, Take Stock in Children Comptroller and Director of Compliance; Maryam Laguna, Take Stock in Children Director of Communications and Partnerships; Richard Berkowitz, Berkowitz, Pollack, Brant and Take Stock in Children Board Member; Laurie Zapletal, BB&T and GMCC Nonprofit Business Committee Chair; and Gene Schaefer, Miami Market President, Bank of America.

"We're in the business of changing lives by providing scholarships, mentors and hope to deserving, low-income students," said Madeline Pumariega, President and CEO of Take Stock in Children. "Through innovation and excellence, we have created a successful model that helps at-risk youth successfully graduate high school, complete college, enter the workforce, and become tomorrow's leaders."

Take Stock in Children was recognized for its FLIGHT (Facilitating Long-Term Improvements in Graduation and Higher Education for Tomorrow) program which provides a unique opportunity for deserving, low-income youth/students to break the cycle of poverty through college completion. Proving to be highly successful, the program provides student with a college scholarship, a caring volunteer mentor, and a professional College Success Coach with a focus on college and career readiness. 96% high school graduation rate and 87% of its students enrolling into college.

Take Stock in Children was established 20 years ago based in Miami and serving every county in Florida. The comprehensive services start in middle school, continue through high school and extend through the student's post-secondary education. In Miami, Take Stock in Children is proud to partner with Miami Dade College and Miami Dade County Public Schools.

To learn more about Take Stock in Children, please visit www.takestockinchildren.org.

About Take Stock in Children

Take Stock in Children, a Florida 501(c)3 non-profit organization has been providing volunteer mentors, scholarships and hope to hundreds of thousands of Florida's deserving at-risk, low-income students since 1995. Reporting an unparalleled 96% annual high school graduation rate and an 87% college enrollment rate, TSIC is Florida's flagship and most successful mentoring and scholarship program. In every Florida county, TSIC scholars in middle and high school pledge to meet regularly with their mentor, maintain academic standards, and remain drug and crime-free on the way to achieving a high school diploma. The reward for fulfilling these commitments is a scholarship to a Florida state college, university or vocational school. To donate, volunteer or learn more about Take Stock in Children, please call 888-322-4673 or visit www.takestockinchildren.org.

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SOURCE Take Stock in Children