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Jesse B. Smith Memorial Scholarship
Jesse B. Smith was a longtime point man for Jacksonville's economic development initiatives under four mayors.
The most notable work of this outstanding public official took place during his appointment as Deputy Director of the Planning and Development Department of the city from 1990-1995. During this time, he was a key organizer of many of the city's efforts to attract new businesses and was very successful in obtaining state and federal assistance.
The Scholarship
Purpose
Aid in tuition expenses of four-year undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees in city planning, urban studies, public administration or related field.
Eligibility Requirements
Any resident of Duval County or any area of Jacksonville, including Baldwin, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach, who is currently enrolled in or has been accepted into any higher education institution located in the county.
Availability
Scholarships may be awarded to a maximum of two (2) recipients for the upcoming academic year.
Application Requirements
Applications for the Jesse B. Smith Memorial Scholarship must be received by the Planning and Development Department no later than May 31st to qualify for the following fall semester.
Complete and proper submission of the application and all its components are required before consideration will be made, including academic standing, extracurricular involvement and letters of reference.
Click here for a copy of the 2024-2025 Scholarship Application (pdf file)
You may also call (904) 255-7812 to request an application via mail or stop by the following location:
Jesse B. Smith Memorial Scholarship Review Committee
Planning and Development Department
Office of the Director
214 North Hogan Street, Suite 300
Ed Ball Building
Jacksonville, FL 32202
For more information regarding the scholarship application, please call (904) 255-7812, or email RBlanco@coj.net.
2019-2020 Academic Year Recipient
Ladayija Nicholes, a student at University of North Florida, is pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree.
Planning and Development Department Director William B. Killingsworth is presenting Ladayija Nicholes a $1,000 scholarship check for the 2019-2020 academic year from the Jesse B. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund.