The College of Central Florida has presented $50,000 in William H. Jackson Promise Scholarships to associate degree-seeking students for the fall semester.
Twenty-three students will receive $2,000 per academic year, and two students will receive full tuition and book scholarships, valued at nearly $4,000 per academic year.
“The scholarships are named for William H. Jackson, the president of Hampton Junior College, which was one of the 12 historically black junior colleges in Florida,” said CF President Dr. Jim Henningsen. “In 1966, Hampton Junior College merged with CF. In honor of President Jackson and to honor our history with Hampton Junior College, we have dedicated $50,000 annually in new student scholarships.”
Henningsen said the college is proud to support high-need students with the scholarships.
“The college is committed to providing education opportunities for our local students who will become our business leaders, civic leaders, healthcare providers, educators and other professionals in the coming years,” Henningsen said. “By investing in our students, we are investing in our community.”
Jeremiah Evans and Kalis Stevens, both graduates of Vanguard High School, will receive the full tuition and book scholarships for 2020-21. Evans is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. He has worked with children of all ages at Ocala First United Methodist Church and currently is working with teachers in Ocala First Preschool during the week and leading Kids Church on the weekend.
“I’m excited to begin studying early childhood education at the College of Central Florida,” Evans said. “I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to receive this scholarship. Since I was young, I’ve known I wanted to work with kids and this scholarship will help me reach that dream.”
Stevens is pursuing an Associate in Arts degree with a goal of working in the medical field. She has been an active member of Greater Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church for several years and volunteers with Sunday School, sings in the youth choir and is a member of the Teen Discovery Group. She participated in CF’s Project Eagle Summer Bridge virtual program in July.
“I am very thankful to be the recipient of the WHJ scholarship,” Steven said. “I am looking forward to starting my career in the medical field helping people the best way I can. The support that I am receiving from the College of Central Florida will allow me to focus on my studies without having the financial burden of paying for my tuition.”
While all students are expected to maintain academic standards, the full tuition scholarship recipients also will meet with a mentor, attend student activity and engagement events, and speak to groups about their experience.