I am proud to serve as a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, a nonprofit organization that’s nimble and forward-thinking enough to seize opportunities as they arise for the betterment of the youth it serves.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, which ignites the power and promise of youth by creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships, stepped right up to join forces with the Broward affiliate of Take Stock in Children to provide scholarship opportunities for the youth in the program. Take Stock is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty for low-income, academically qualified students by providing opportunities for a post-secondary education.

The formal partnership enables middle and high school Littles in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County program to concurrently enroll in Take Stock in Children.  As a result, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County’s youth, 63 percent of whom are Black and 7 percent Multiracial, will receive full, pre-paid scholarships for higher education after fulfilling Take Stock in Children requirements.

By working side-by-side, both organizations have even more impact. By joining the two programs, children’s lives will be changed for the better like never before.  The combination of empowering youth with a steady mentor while providing pre-paid scholarships opportunities is a sure recipe to equip young people for vibrant futures.

I applaud Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County and Take Stock in Children’s Broward affiliate for coming together to create this important partnership.

Melida Akiti serves as Vice President, Ambulatory Program and Community Services, and is Health Equity Diversity and Inclusion Leader at Memorial Healthcare System.  For more information or to become a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, call (954) 584-9990 or visit www.BBBSBroward.org.