Greater Jacksonville Fair Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Greater Jacksonville Fair Association

Description
The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association offers scholarships to support students who plan to continue their education and pursue careers related to agriculture, veterinary medicine, or other fields of study. These awards are intended to provide financial assistance that encourages personal growth and academic progress for qualified local students. Applicants should demonstrate commitment to education and, where applicable, involvement in agricultural activities or community service.

**Key points:**
- Scholarships fund education for students planning postsecondary study.
- Preference for majors in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and related fields.
- Awards aim to foster personal growth and community-focused leadership.

History of the Award
For more than seven decades the Association has invested in the local community. Over the past 71 years the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association has contributed more than $2.6 million to local charities and scholarships. This long history reflects a sustained commitment to supporting students and strengthening agricultural and civic life in the region.

**Key points:**
- 71 years of community and educational support.
- More than $2.6 million contributed to charities and scholarships.
- Longstanding mission to support local students and agriculture-related initiatives.

Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must be residents of one of six Florida counties and be at least a high school senior at the time of application. Eligible counties are Duval, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns. Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a four‑year university, junior college, or technical institution.

**Key points:**
- Residency required: Duval, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Nassau, or St. Johns counties.
- Applicant must be at least a high school senior when applying.
- Enrollment expected at a university, junior college, or technical school.

Award Value
Award amounts vary by year and by recipient; specific scholarship values are not specified in the general announcement. Interested applicants should contact the Association directly for current award amounts or check the Association’s official materials for the most recent figures. Awards are granted based on the Committee’s evaluation of each complete application packet.

**Key points:**
- Scholarship amounts vary and are not listed in the general summary.
- Contact the Association for current award values and availability.
- Final award decisions determine individual award amounts.

Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete packet that includes three types of documents: the application form, a one‑page personal essay, and three original letters of recommendation. The essay should address the applicant’s background, community involvement (including awards and recognitions), participation and awards in 4‑H, FFA, or other agricultural activities, service to the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair or other fairs, and leadership experience. Recommendation letters should be original, signed, and — if possible — on the recommender’s letterhead.

**Key points:**
- Required: application form, one‑page essay, and three original letters of recommendation.
- Essay topics: background, community involvement, agricultural participation, fair service, leadership.
- Recommendations should be signed originals; letterhead is preferred.

Submission Instructions
The Association prefers online delivery, but completed packets may also be mailed, emailed, or hand delivered. Do not fold or staple any part of the submitted materials. If mailing, address the packet to the Scholarship Screening Committee at the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association using the address below.

**Key points:**
- Online submission preferred; mail, email, or hand delivery accepted.
- Do not fold or staple any part of the application packet.
- Address packets to the Scholarship Screening Committee (see mailing address below).

Application Timeline
All required materials must be submitted in full by the stated deadline: September 21, 2026. Packets that are complete and postmarked by the deadline will be considered. Applicants should allow time for mail delivery; late or incomplete packets may not be reviewed.

**Key points:**
- Deadline: September 21, 2026 (packets must be complete and postmarked by this date).
- Late or incomplete submissions risk ineligibility.
- Plan ahead to meet delivery and completeness requirements.

Selection Process and Notification
A Scholarship Committee reviews applications and selects recipients; its decision is final. The Committee evaluates the materials provided in the application packet to determine awardees based on the stated goals of the program. All applicants will be notified of the Committee’s decision prior to the start of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair.

**Key points:**
- A Scholarship Committee reviews applications and makes the final decisions.
- Committee evaluations are based on submitted application materials.
- Applicants will receive notification before the Fair begins.

Contact and Mailing Address
For mailed submissions, address packets to the Scholarship Screening Committee at the Association’s office. Use the following mailing address and ensure materials meet the submission guidelines above.

**Key points:**
- Mail to: Scholarship Screening Committee, Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association
- Street address: 13601 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32221
- For questions, refer to the Association’s official channels (verify current contact details before sending).