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 three (3) recipients for the upcoming academic year.

Application Requirements

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 to download a copy of the Application. (16k)  You may also call (904) 630-8070 to request an application via mail or stop by the following location:

Jesse B. Smith Memorial Scholarship Review Committee
Jacksonville Planning and Development Department
Community Planning Division
128 E. Forsyth St., Suite 500
Jacksonville, FL  32202

2007-2008 Academic Year Recipients – Nicholas Zelaya and Pamela Kirchner, MPA graduate students at the University of North Florida, each received a $1,000 scholarship check.  The checks were presented by Brad Thoburn, Director and John Crofts, Deputy Director.

Brad Thoburn, director (far left) John Crofts, deputy director (far right)

You must have the Acrobat PDF Reader to open the PDF file.  Click here for a free download.

For more information regarding the scholarship application, please call (904) 630-8070, or e-mail Ida Jackson.