Jackson County Community Outreach: Empowering Education Through Scholarships

Jackson County Community Outreach (JCCO) is dedicated to enhancing the skill set of the Jackson County, Georgia workforce by providing educational resources for both traditional college and technical college students. Since 1998, with the help of sponsors and its endowment fund, JCCO has awarded scholarships totaling $300,000.00 to deserving Jackson County high school students planning to attend college and technical schools.

The Mission of JCCO

JCCO's mission is to unite the faith community, business leaders, and education leaders of Jackson County to ensure that the workforce graduating from local schools meets the current and future job needs of the county. Jackson County is experiencing vibrant and diverse growth, creating a demand for a skilled workforce with technical knowledge, a commitment to education, soft skills, and local ties.

Scholarship Programs

JCCO offers scholarships to graduating seniors from Jackson County Georgia who are pursuing education at two-year or four-year traditional colleges. In 2015, JCCO added a Technical College Scholarship program to address the growing industry needs in the community. The first year, this program provided two $2,000.00 scholarships to students.

Regular College Scholarship Fund

The regular college scholarship fund is supported by donations raised from the annual community banquet event. Individuals and businesses can contribute by purchasing tables at the event, which helps to grow the scholarship fund for the following year. JCCO provides $1000.00 scholarships to graduates of Jackson County Georgia, sending the funds directly to the school they will be attending.

Technical College Scholarship Program

This program was implemented to address the economic needs of the community and support the growing industry needs in Jackson County. It provides scholarships to students attending technical colleges, helping to build a skilled workforce in the area.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

JCCO seeks students who may not qualify for traditional avenues of scholarships, identifying them as "at risk." The organization partners with high schools in Jackson County, who send potential applicants to JCCO. A scholarship committee then evaluates these applicants based on a mix of attributes. JCCO looks for students that are going to technical college, or traditional college that are looking to major in areas that we feel are the most critical to the workforce needs of Jackson County Georgia.

How to Get Involved

Jackson County Community Outreach welcomes volunteers and donations from individuals and businesses in Jackson County Georgia who are committed to the idea that education is the key to the future success of the county.

Financial Support

There are multiple ways to provide financial support to JCCO:

Endowment Fund: Donations to the endowment fund help ensure the long-term sustainability of the scholarship program.
Annual Banquet: Businesses can purchase tables at the annual banquet to support the technical college scholarship fund.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering time to the JCCO group is another way to contribute to the organization's efforts.

Community Events

JCCO hosts several activities each year to promote the economic and educational needs of Jackson County. The largest of these events is the annual Christmas Banquet, which supports the technical scholarship funding and helps connect the education and business community in the county. This event brings the community together to support the idea that education is the best way to improve the county.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities in North Georgia

The North Georgia Community Foundation administers various scholarships on behalf of fundholders, each with its own history and eligibility criteria. The Scholarship Cycle opens annually at the beginning of the year. Here are a few examples:

The “547” John E. McGlamry Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established in 2012 to honor Senior Master Trooper John E. McGlamry, this scholarship is for graduating high school seniors who are the children of active or retired Georgia State Troopers.

The Audrey Davenport Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship honors Audrey Davenport, an advocate for cultural inclusion in Northeast Georgia. It supports Black/African American non-traditional female students who demonstrate resilience, leadership, and a commitment to community-building. Preferred applicants demonstrate satisfactory academic progress and exhibit financial need.

The Bill Wilson Scholarship

Awarded to graduating student-athletes from Gainesville High School, this scholarship supports student-athletes who have clearly defined educational goals and work hard both on and off the field.

The Billy Ellis Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of former Johnson High School principal Billy Ellis.

Read also: JAX Summer Student Program Guide

The Billy Rogers Leadership Scholarship

Awarded to the runner up of the GHS Alumni Scholarship, created in memory of Billy Rogers by his family.

The Catherine Green Hardie Scholarship

This scholarship benefits graduating seniors from Rabun County High School who plan to further their education, created in loving memory of Catherine Green Hardie by her family.

The Rotary Club of Forsyth County Chantal and Tommy Bagwell Family Scholarship

Supports Forsyth County high school graduating seniors planning to pursue their post-secondary education at a public school in the State of Georgia. It prioritizes students with financial need, a commitment to completing their program of study, and clear long-term career goals. Preference given to students who participate in a STEM pathway, CTAE pathway, or another high-demand career pathway, demonstrate financial need, and are first-generation students pursuing postsecondary education.

The Charles Black Scholarship Fund

Recognizes high school seniors at various high schools in northeast Georgia who have achieved excellence in school and community life. Recipient school systems and award amounts are determined each year by the Charles Black Construction Company.

The Chuck Massey Memorial Scholarship

Awarded annually to the student in the current graduating class at North Hall High School who has the highest GPA at the beginning of their final Spring Semester.

The Coach Ray Lamb Scholarship Fund

Graduating seniors from Commerce High School can apply for this opportunity if they meet the stated criteria, including a minimum GPA of 2.5, participation in at least one sport, and community involvement.

The Coleman, Chambers & Rogers LLP Scholarship

Created out of awareness and gratitude for first responders in North Georgia, this scholarship is for Police (including local & state), Fire or EMS workers.

The Colleen S. Ivey Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is a one-time award for a full-time senior who is a resident of Union County and attends Union County High School, Woody Gap School, or is homeschooled. The student must identify as being of the Baptist faith and must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75. Financial need and community service are considered.

The D.J. Davenport Memorial Scholarship

Recognizes well-rounded, civic-minded North Hall High School seniors who have achieved excellence in math and science.

The David M. Scholarship

Awarded every other year, based on financial need, to an African American student who is either a graduating senior or currently enrolled in college and pursuing or planning to pursue a career in a STEM-related field. Eligible applicants must also be descendants of any student who attended the historic Fair Street School or E. E.

The David M. Martin Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a North Georgia First Responder, their child or spouse who are pursuing their post-secondary education.

The Deshaun Watson Scholarship

Established by legendary GHS alumni, Deshaun Watson, as a way to help students from his hometown of Gainesville, Georgia, further their education. Consideration will be given to applicants who have shown participation in extracurricular activities, volunteering, or have been employed during high school.

The Don and Debbie Golden Scholarship Fund

Established by their daughters after Mr. & Mrs. Golden tragically passed in a car accident. Mrs. Golden was a counselor at Mount Vernon Elementary School and had 30 years’ experience in education. Mr. Golden taught & coached at North Forsyth High School and North Hall High School.

The E.E. Butler Class of ’69 Scholarship

Awarded every other year to a graduating senior planning to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school as a full-time student that is a descendant of any student that attended the historic Fair Street School or E. E. Butler High School from 1936 to 1969 in Gainesville-Hall County.

The Elbert W. Dunlap Scholarship

Provides a scholarship opportunity to a current employee, or the child or grandchild of a current employee of the AutoZone Lavonia Distribution Center.

The Florence and Jack Sims Memorial Scholarship Fund

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and should demonstrate active involvement in extracurricular and/or community activities such as volunteering, work, and church activities.

The Franklin County High School Scholarship

Established for graduating seniors of Franklin County High School. A combination of GPA, financial need, & extra-curricular/community activities will be considered in choosing a recipient.

The Fund the Dream Scholarship Fund

Established in 2022 by the Hispanic Alliance, GA, to support minority students from first-generation/low-income backgrounds. Special consideration will be given to students participating in the Latino Youth Leadership Academy.

The Gainesville Invests in Future Teachers (GIFT) Scholarship

Supports students who are committed to becoming K-12 teachers in Georgia.

The Georgia Poultry Federation Scholarship

Supports college students pursuing a degree in poultry science or a related agricultural degree.

The GHS Band Booster Scholarship

This scholarship is for graduating seniors at public, private or homeschools in Hall County. Applicants must reside in Hall County and must play a musical instrument.

The GHS Alumni Scholarship

Created and endowed by the Gainesville High School Class of ’64 to encourage GHS graduates to leave a lasting legacy through contributions to the fund.

The Glenda Brooks Memorial Scholarship

Created in 2023 by the family of Ms. Glenda Brooks, who was passionate about education and retired as a principal of White County High School.

The Grace Sheer Scholarship Fund

This scholarship will annually award a senior female athlete from Dawson County High School to help them pursue their educational journey.

The J.H. Holcomb and Sisters Scholarship

Applicants must have demonstrated financial need, leadership qualities, and a strong commitment to community and public service.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Community Foundation for Mississippi Scholarships

The Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarships and award funds to students in Mississippi, honoring individuals, professions, schools, or educational goals. Most opportunities are available for graduating high school seniors.

Anthony “Tony” Gobar Scholarship

The student must have a declared career interest in juvenile justice or a related field and show a strong commitment to community and public service.

Ms. Bettye Smith Brown Scholarship

Designed for high school seniors attending a public school and residing in Warren County, Mississippi.

Bill Hunsberger Scholarship Fund

Awarded to a full-time junior or senior female college student majoring in journalism at the University of Southern Mississippi or the University of Mississippi, or a political science major with media involvement at Mississippi State University.

Blake Coghlan Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to one graduating high school senior from Mississippi intending to study Agriculture or Agriculture related degree at a Mississippi 4-year or 2-year institution.

Booker T. Jones Scholarship

Provides financial support to students who graduate from MINACT-run Job Corps programs and plan to enroll at a college or university.

Charles E. Tillman Scholarship

Applications are open to seniors currently enrolled at a Jackson Public School District High School, Hinds County School District High School, and Clinton High School who will attend Hinds Community College (any campus in Hinds County) or Jackson State University.

JXN Water Scholarship Fund

Created to help address the challenge, the JXN Water Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi was created.

Leland R. Speed Scholarship

Awarded to the overall Top Cadet of JROTC and the Top Cadet of Murrah’s JROTC programs.

Robert E. Covington Scholarship

Awarded to two senior students at Richland High School to provide financial assistance at any two- or four-year college or university.

Samuel Eric Storm Memorial Scholarship

The Scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing an advanced degree in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy.

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