The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools received $10,000 through the Orlando Magic Youth Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund, to support Take Stock in Children during a surprise ceremony held on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The OMYF All-Star team was announced in the spirit of the NBA Draft as each of the 21 nonprofit organizations were recognized and presented with an OMYF jersey or specialty basketball.

Over the last 25 years, more than $19.8 million has been distributed to local nonprofit organizations through the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation and the Orlando Magic Youth Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund since 1994. The McCormick Foundation matches all donations to the Fund at fifty cents on the dollar.

The OMYF is committed to helping children in Central Florida realize their full potential, especially those most at-risk, by supporting nonprofit organizations offering youth based programs in the areas of education, housing and health and wellness programs that promote healthy living practices for children and families in low income communities. For more information, visit www.omyf.org.

The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools will use the funding to support its Take Stock in Children program with matching funds provided by the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Foundation. The funding will purchase two 2-year scholarships for incoming scholars selected in Spring 2015.

Out of the 1,233 eighth grade students in SCPS who were identified as eligible due to their free/reduced lunch status, 22 students were selected based on available funding. Take Stock in Children is only scratching the surface of the need for students in Seminole County. Additional funding allows us to bring in more students.