LARGO, Fla. — Do you feel like you have something you could offer a young person? 

Some sort of wisdom, or guidance? 

If so, Pinellas County needs your help. 

What You Need To Know

  • Pinellas County in search of mentors for young students

  • The statewide initiative pairs students up with mentors, provides scholarship opportunities 

  • MORE INFORMATION: Take Stock in Children

The county is in desperate need of more mentors for the "Take Stock in Children" program.  It's a statewide initiative that pairs up students, with mentors, and provides college scholarships.  

Alan Heron has worked with his mentor, Mark Villinger, for over a year now.  Last year, the two met mostly virtually, though, because of the pandemic, and this year they're finally able to get together in person.  

Since working with Villinger, who is also an art teacher at Boca Ciega High School and a coach, Heron has moved into Advanced Placement art classes and he's enrolled in the medical program at school, which he credits Mark for.

"I like that you can just talk to somebody and you know, express how you feel,” Heron said. “You can also talk to them about your grades and what you're struggling with, all around, just have someone to be there for you.”​

Take Stock in Children was created by the Pinellas Education Foundation, and the program became so successful that it evolved into a statewide program.  Last year alone, Pinellas County students were awarded over $3 million in scholarships.  

Students are nominated to be in the program, and they agree to keep their grades up, meet with their mentor, and get involved in some sort of school activity, then they're awarded money for college when they graduate.  

Aside from the obvious benefits for students, Villinger said there's also big benefits for mentors, and he would encourage anyone to at least look into it.

"​Getting involved with the young people is extremely important right now,” he said. “So they begin to feel more comfortable in society, so they keep their grades high, so that they cannot just be a functioning member of society, but really excel, really grow into the things that interest them most. 

“And personally, it's why I've taught for the years I've taught. I don't teach art, I teach kids, and that's the fun part of this, and being a mentor for young people, and being involved with young people keeps me at least young feeling and young thinking.”