Authority
Ordinance 92-136-61 (signed into law March 1992) authorized allotment of funds from the Handicapped Parking Fines Trust Fund (HPFTF) for scholarships for students with disabilities. Funding in the future will depend on similar legislation.
Rationale
The recent Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) limits this widespread civil rights protection to "qualified individuals with disabilities." Present unemployment figures place disabled people in the unenviable position of first place, with national statistics hovering consistently between 60 percent and 70 percent. One proven way to reduce these numbers is through education.
Amount Funded
A total of $7,500 is budgeted for calendar year 2007. This is expected to allow up to three $2,500 scholarships to be awarded for one year only. Future amounts will be dependent upon availability of HPFTF funding, continued support by the City Council and our experience in administering this project.
Purpose For Which Scholarship Can Be Used
Only tuition, books and necessary auxiliary aids will be funded while the student is attending a community college, university or vocational school located in and accredited by the State of Florida or its designated agent.
Full-time or part-time attendance is acceptable.
Responsibility For Monitoring Funds
The Student Financial Aid Department or its equivalent of the school attended by the awardee. Please note: Any unused scholarship funds must be returned to the City of Jacksonville if, for any reason, the student does not attend classes during any six consecutive calendar months.
Deadline To Apply
June 1, 2008.
Informational Outlet
The Duval County Public Schools Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Department has agreed to notify the principals and guidance counselors of schools participating in the ESE program.
Minimum Requirements (Please note: All five must be met)
Be a graduating senior in the current school year.
Currently being served by the Duval County Public Schools Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Department.
GPA 2.0 or above.
Resident of Jacksonville for at least six months.
Have been accepted to an accredited community college, university or vocational school located in Florida and scheduled to begin classes in the same calendar year as graduated from high school.
Information Needed To Apply (Very Important)
1. Send a letter of intent to:
Disabled Services Division, City of Jacksonville
117 West Duval St., Suite #205,
Jacksonville, FL 32202.
Include name, address, daytime phone number, and a brief autobiography.
2. Letter of acceptance from school to be attended.
3. Verification of GPA.
4. Verification of participation in ESE Program.
5. Source and amount of other scholarships due or received.
6. A 500 word essay explaining your expected course of study, career goals, and why you think you should receive this scholarship, i.e. any extra curricular activities and how you have overcome difficulties to get to this point.
Selection Committee
Members shall include the chief and the human services planner of the Disabled Services Division, City of Jacksonville, and one member of the Mayor's Disability Council. Selection will be based on a combination of grades, goals, achievements, and extracurricular activities. The decision of the Committee shall be final.