Greater Jacksonville Fair Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Greater Jacksonville Fair Association

Description The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association awards scholarships to support local students pursuing higher education, with priority for majors related to agriculture and veterinary medicine. The scholarships are intended to provide financial assistance that promotes personal growth and helps qualified students continue their education. These awards are available through an annual competitive process administered by the Association’s Scholarship Committee.

Key takeaways:

• Scholarships support postsecondary education with emphasis on agriculture/veterinary fields.
• Purpose is financial assistance and encouragement of personal growth.
• Awards are distributed through a competitive committee review.

History of the Award For more than seven decades the Association has invested in the community, contributing to local charities and funding student scholarships. Over the past 71 years the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association has contributed more than $2.6 million to local charities and scholarship awards. This long-standing program reflects the organization’s sustained commitment to education and local agricultural engagement.

Key takeaways:

• Program has operated for 71 years.
• More than $2.6 million contributed to charities and scholarships.
• Demonstrates long-term commitment to local education and agriculture.

Eligibility Applicants must meet specific residency and academic status requirements to qualify for consideration. Eligible candidates reside in one of six Florida counties (Duval, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Nassau, or St. Johns) and must be at least high school seniors or already enrolled/planning to enroll in a four‑year university, junior college, or technical institution at the time of application. The program favors students planning to major in agriculture, veterinary medicine, or related fields, but other fields of study are also accepted.

Key takeaways:

• Residency required: Duval, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Nassau, or St. Johns counties.
• Applicant must be a high school senior or enrolled/planning to enroll in postsecondary education.
• Preferred majors: agriculture, veterinary medicine, or related fields (other fields considered).

Application Requirements Complete application packets are required and incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Each packet must include: the application form, a one‑page applicant essay, and three original letters of recommendation (preferably on letterhead and signed). The Scholarship Committee will review only packets that contain all required components submitted together.

Key takeaways:

• All three components (application, essay, 3 letters) are mandatory.
• Letters of recommendation should be original and, if possible, on official letterhead and signed.
• Incomplete packets are not considered.

Essay Content The required one‑page essay is an opportunity to describe the applicant’s background, involvement, and leadership. It should briefly cover family and personal background; community involvement and awards across school and civic activities; participation and achievements in 4‑H, FFA, or other agricultural programs; any service to the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair or other fairs; and leadership roles held within those organizations. Keep the essay concise, focused, and limited to one page.

Key takeaways:

• One-page essay required.
• Topics: background, community involvement, agricultural participation, fair service, leadership.
• Aim for clear, concise, and focused content.

Submission Methods & Deadline Packets must arrive together and be submitted by the posted deadline; online submission is preferred. Acceptable delivery methods include online submission (preferred), mail, email, or hand delivery. Do not fold or staple packet materials. Packets must be complete and postmarked or received on or before September 21, 2026 to be eligible for review.

Key takeaways:

• Online submission preferred; mail, email, or hand delivery also accepted.
• Do not fold or staple application materials.
• Deadline: September 21, 2026 (packets must be complete and on time).

Selection & Notification A volunteer Scholarship Committee reviews only complete, timely packets and makes the final decisions. The Committee’s decision is final and not subject to appeal. All applicants will be notified of the results before the start of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair.

Key takeaways:

• Only complete, timely packets are reviewed.
• Scholarship Committee decisions are final.
• Applicants receive notification before the fair begins.

Award Value The announcement does not list a specific dollar amount for each scholarship in this notice. Scholarship amounts may vary from year to year; applicants should consult the Fair’s official materials or contact the organization for current award values. Consider requesting award details directly if grant amount is critical to your decision to apply.

Key takeaways:

• Specific scholarship amounts are not provided in this notice.
• Award values may vary annually.
• Contact the Fair or check official materials for current amounts.

Contact & Mailing Address Packets sent by mail should be addressed to the Scholarship Screening Committee at the Greater Jacksonville Agriculture Fair Association. The mailing address is: Scholarship Screening Committee, 13601 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32221. If you need alternative submission details (portal link or email contact), check the Fair’s official website or contact the Association directly, since the announcement specifies that online delivery is preferred but does not include a submission URL or email address.

Key takeaways:

• Mail to: Scholarship Screening Committee, 13601 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32221.
• Online submission preferred—visit the Fair’s website for portal/email details.
• Confirm current submission instructions on the official Fair site before sending.