For Families and Educators

In partnership with the Sallie Mae Foundation and nonprofit Take Stock in Children, Volunteer Florida Foundation has furthered an important outreach to middle school students through the Kids2College Florida program, demonstrating that college is possible for every student. The program is designed to bring early awareness to the importance of a higher education by introducing sixth grade students to college life as well as providing early training and financial planning for parents. Kids2College Florida provides a unique five-session curriculum that combines hands-on activities with information on careers, college life, and how to choose courses that give students the greatest range of options for education beyond high school. The program culminates in a family outing to experience real college life.

Sixth grade is a particularly critical point for decisions that affect a child’s future education. The Kids2College Florida curriculum emphasizes interactive activities that reinforce the program’s premise: higher education is something you can achieve if you plan ahead. The objectives are to help students and parents make the connection between the student’s college goals, career aspirations, and academic preparation to gain admission in college.

The Sallie Mae Fund is a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae. The Sallie Mae Fund is the founding sponsor of the Kids2College program, established in 1992 in Massachusetts. The Florida Kids2College program is provided through a grant from The Sallie Mae Fund and in partnership with the Volunteer Florida Foundation, and Take Stock in Children.