Jackson 2025 Juneteenth Essay Scholarship Application

We are thrilled to announce the Jackson Juneteenth Celebration's steadfast commitment to empowering the educational dreams of our community's young individuals. Aligned with our core value of education, and partnering with True Community Credit Union and Dawn Foods, we take immense pride in presenting a $1,000 scholarship to exceptional graduating high school seniors, current college students, or those completing or pursuing a skilled trades certificate.

The scholarship funds will be directly disbursed to the scholarship recipient.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Application Information

Scholarship awardees will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Applicants Eligibility Requirements:

Must be African American.
Must be one of the following:
1. High School Senior graduating in 2025
2. Current College Student
3. Current Trades Program participant
Must be a graduate of a Jackson County high school.

1. Personal Information

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Contact Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Email

example@example.com

Parent Name (If under 18 years old)

First NameLast Name

Parent Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.

Gender

MaleFemaleOther

Ethnicity (Select one)*

2. Academic Information

Name of High School, College, or Trade School*

Please list your area of focus.

This can be your major, concentration, or trade.

Expected Graduation Date*

Date

Current GPA*

3. Extra Curricular Activities

List your Extra Curricular Activities below:*

4. Community Service Activities

List your Community Activities or Involvement below:*

5. Required Attachments

Required Attachments:

Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

For the Jackson Juneteenth Essay Scholarship, students should obtain 2 letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to their character, academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to diversity and social justice. Here are some examples of who they could approach:

Teachers or Educators – A teacher who knows the student well can speak to their academic abilities, dedication, and potential, especially in subjects related to history, social studies, or community involvement.

Mentors or Youth Program Leaders – A mentor, coach, or leader from any youth program, particularly if they have experience in helping students engage with social justice issues or community-building activities, would provide valuable insight into the student's character and impact.

Community Leaders – A local community leader or activist involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion work can speak to the student’s engagement with community issues, advocacy, and commitment to positive social change.

Employers or Supervisors – If the student has worked or volunteered, especially in roles related to DEI initiatives, youth mentorship, or community service, a letter from an employer or supervisor would highlight the student’s work ethic, responsibility, and contributions to these areas.

Family Members or Close Family Friends – A family member or family friend who knows the student’s personal story and background could offer a deeper understanding of the student's values, resilience, and commitment to community-oriented goals.

Clergy or Religious Leaders – If the student is active in their religious community, a clergy or religious leader could speak to their involvement in social justice, service, and personal growth.

To attach files, you can drag and drop the files below, or click on the box below and select the file to upload.

Attach 1st recommendation letter here:

Attach 2nd recommendation letter here:

6. Essay

Essay Instructions:

1. Essay must address the following statement:

Discuss the historical importance of Juneteenth in honoring the emancipation of African Americans and the ongoing pursuit of racial equity while dealing with the current political climate.

2. Word Count Requirement:

Your submission must be a minimum of 500 words and should not exceed 1,000 words.

3. Formatting Guidelines:

Please type your essay, ensuring it is double-spaced. Utilize a standard, easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial, size 12. Your document should be well-organized and legible.

Deadline for Submission: Friday, May 16, 2025

EXTENDED TO MAY 23RD AT 5:00 PM.

UPLOAD YOUR ESSAY HERE

NOTE:

If you have difficulty attaching your essay or the required documents to this form, you may email the documents to:

juneteenth@cityofjackson.org

You must still submit this form which is the official application and contains needed information.

Scholarship Awards Process

The Jackson Juneteenth Celebration, in partnership with True Community Credit Union and Dawn Foods, will be presenting $1,000 scholarships for graduating high school seniors, current college students, and individuals pursuing a degree or completing a skilled trades certificate.

As part of the award, recipients will be invited to a Scholarship Reception Dinner on Friday, June 20th at 5:00 PM at Spring Arbor University. This event provides an opportunity for scholarship recipients to connect with community partners and supporters.

Scholarship winners will be notified by May 30, 2025. June 6, 2025.
Scholarship Awards Reception will be held at Spring Arbor University at 5:00pm on June 20, 2025.
Official Awards will be presented during the Juneteenth Celebration on June 21, 2025.

Juneteenth Essay Check-list*

Signature