2026 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 scholarships of $1,000- $2,500 to exceptional graduating high school seniors, current college students completing an undergraduate degree, or those completing or pursuing a skilled trades certificate.

There will be a Juneteenth Scholarship Awards Dinner on Friday, June 19th for the scholarship recipients and family at Spring Arbor University. The scholarship funds will be directly disbursed to the scholarship recipient at the Juneteenth Celebration event on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Application Information

Scholarships of $1,000 - $2,500 will be awarded to recipients.

Applicants Eligibility Requirements:

Must be African American.
Must be one of the following:
1. High School Senior graduating in 2026
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.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Email*

example@example.com

Parent Name (If under 18 years old)

First NameLast Name

Parent Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

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. Letter of Recommendation Requirement

Students may submit a letter of recommendation by either attaching it directly to this application or providing the Name and email address of their recommender. If an email address is provided, the Essay Committee will contact that individual directly to request the letter.

Please note that it is the student's responsibility to notify their recommender in advance that they will be receiving correspondence from the Essay Committee.

Required Attachments:

One (1) Letter of Recommendation

For the Jackson Juneteenth Essay Scholarship, students should obtain 1 letter of recommendation from an individual 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.

To leave an email enter it below

How will you be providing your recommendation letter?*

I will attach my letter digitally to this applicationI will provide the name and email address for the person providing my letter of reference below,

Name of Person providing Recommendation Letter

First NameLast Name

Email of Person Providing Recommendation Letter

example@example.com

Attach Recommendation Letter Here:

6. Essay

Essay Instructions:

1. Essay must address the following content:

The Jackson Juneteenth Committee is excited to offer this year's Essay Scholarship to local high school students who are ready to share their voice. We want to hear from you — in your own words — about how today's political climate is shaping your life. Your essay should be between 750 and 1,500 words and touch on some of the big things happening in our country right now. Think about how recent changes to DEI programs have affected you, your school, or your community. Consider how increased immigration enforcement activity makes you or the people around you feel day to day. Reflect on whether today's America feels like a place that sees you, values you, and protects you.

Most importantly, we want to know how you feel about your future. Are you hopeful? Worried? Determined? All of the above? There are no wrong answers here — just your truth. Juneteenth has always been about the ongoing fight for real freedom, and your story is part of that legacy. Write from the heart, be honest, and know that this committee is genuinely excited to hear what you have to say.

2. Word Count Requirement:

Your submission must be a minimum of 750 words and should not exceed 1,500 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 15, 2026

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 - $2,500 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 19th 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 June 5, 2026.
Scholarship Awards Reception will be held at Spring Arbor University at 5:00pm on June 19, 2026.
Official Awards will be presented during the Juneteenth Celebration on June 20, 2026.

Juneteenth Essay Check-list*

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