Need-based scholarships
Take Stock in Children, a need-based scholarship program with the Pasco Education Foundation, has announced that its application period for the 2021-2022 school year is now open to students currently in eighth grade attending Pasco County Schools.
The program is statewide, and provides scholarships, mentoring and hope, to help break the cycle of generational poverty through education.
Eligibility requirements and online applications are posted at TakeStockPasco.org or PascoEducationFoundation.org. The deadline to apply is April 15.
Selected students will be provided with a college readiness coach, a mentor, and College & Career Readiness Services.
Student wins third place for documentary
Eliza Lammers, a student at Charles Rushe Middle School in Land O’ Lakes, is a third-prize winner in C-SPAN’s national 2021 StudentCam competition, according to a news release.
The competition in its 17th year invited all middle and high school students to enter by producing a short documentary. Students were asked to join a national conversation on the challenges the country is facing, with the theme, “Explore the issue you most want the president and new Congress to address in 2021.”
Lammers’ documentary was entitled, “Decreasing Maternal Mortality in the USA.”
More than 2,300 students across the country participated.
The most popular topics addressed were: health care (14.9%); environmental and energy policy (14.6%); equal rights and equity (13.5%); criminal justice/policing (7.6%); and education (7.5%).
Catholic school enrollment
Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School, 17524 Lakeshore Road in Lutz, has started new student enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year.
Mother Teresa is an elementary and middle school for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.
The school’s mission is rooted in the Catholic Faith. Students attend weekly Mass with student-led liturgies, attend spiritual retreats, learn about the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching, discover and explore vocations, and participate in service projects.
For information or to make a virtual appointment with the admissions director, visit MTCTampa.org, or call 813-933-4750, ext. 105.
Student achievements
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most-selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, has initiated these three Lutz students from Nova Southeastern University: Sasha Glasper, Jamie Thomas and Kairee Whitmore.
Also, Kaylyn Burr, of Land O’ Lakes, was named to the Honor List at Minnesota State University Mankato for the 2020 fall semester.
Virtual STEM Fair
More than 40 Tampa Bay student innovators showcased their inventions in the 41st Hillsborough Regional STEM Fair on March 3, virtually.
“Our students need the opportunity to apply the math, science and engineering they are learning,” said Larry Plank, the school district’s executive director for k-12 science education, in a news release.
“Tampa Bay is full of talented and bright young learners, and this celebration of invention gives students the opportunity to share what they have created….This competition gets students involved in authentic project-based learning while demonstrating creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking — all important 21st century skills,” said Plank.
Award-winners in the invention category are eligible to advance to the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan, in June.
School lunches
MealViewer is a tool to stay informed about school lunches. Those interested can locate a school and see what is on the menu at Schools.mealviewer.com.
Students also can use their meal account at school vending machines, to conveniently grab a variety of snacks and beverages, by using their student ID and PIN number — no cash is needed.
To learn more and add funds to an account, visit tinyurl.com/tnxnh69v.
Prodigy showcases
The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) will present Prodigy Showcases, both virtually and in person, safely and social distanced, throughout March.
Youth in grades one through 12 from the Area CDC’s Prodigy Cultural Arts Program in several counties (including Hillsborough and Pasco) will showcase dance, music, fine arts, theater, and spoken word presentations in free events. This year’s theme is “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.”
Many students will be performing for the first time.
Additionally, visual art by Prodigy students will be on display at selected locations.
A full schedule can be viewed online at UACDC.org/prodigy.
Host an exchange student
The nonprofit organization International Student Exchange (ISE) is looking for volunteer families to host international high school students in the coming academic year.
Host families can expect to gain a new family member, experience a new culture, create lifelong friendships, and make a positive impact, locally and globally.
The exchange students are between the ages of 15 and 18, and come from countries such as Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Norway and more.
The deadline to match students with families is Aug. 31.
Families can select a student based on shared interests, hobbies, gender, etc.
Family screenings include a background check, an in-home interview, and a verification of personal references.
International students are English-speaking and have their own spending money.
Families will provide a caring environment, a room and daily meals.
Those who host ISE students are eligible to claim a $50 charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a student.
For information, call 727-237-1885, or visit ISEusa.org.
Scholarship eligibility broadens
Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board again are partnering to offer scholarships up to $5,000 to eligible students. In response to the impact of COVID-19, the program will feature expanded eligibility criteria.
The Community Action Board Scholarship Program has broadened its household income eligibility from 125% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and lowered the GPA requirement from 2.5 to 2.0.
The changes to the program aim to help students who struggled academically because of the pandemic’s unprecedented impacts on schools, as well as students from households that saw a reduction in annual income.
The scholarships are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of college tuition, so students can focus on furthering their education, not paying bills.
The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities.
Both first-time students and students returning to school can apply. Applications for the 2021 scholarships will be accepted through March 31.
Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester.
Application materials and detailed instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/fyner9md.
Students may submit completed applications online only.
For information, call Irina White at 813-272-5074.
