FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2006
Contact: Michael Corby
904.632.3310

Prosperity Scholarship Fund kicks off with $100,000 from local corporate, educational and civic leaders
Revolutionary new fund to involve and benefit entire community gets a jump-start

In support of the formal launch of the Prosperity Scholarship Fund, local leaders have contributed a total of $100,000 to provide 100 local students with scholarships for the 2006-2007 academic year. The Fund is being launched today at a 3:30 p.m. ceremony at Andrew Jackson High School (at 28th and Main streets), attended by Mayor John Peyton, Council President Kevin Hyde, and corporate, educational and civic leaders who support the effort.

Founding donors include the Alliance for World Class Education, Bank of America, BellSouth, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, the Clarkson Company, Florida Community College Foundation, JEA, Jacksonville University, LandMar, University of North Florida and Wachovia Bank.

The Prosperity Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships for financially challenged students to obtain the higher education necessary to enter high-wage careers—keys to economic development, prosperity and quality of life. This innovative program will fund an endowment from voluntary contributions given monthly through JEA utilities payments. State matching funds and corporate contributions will add to this highly important community resource.

Eligible applicants for Prosperity Scholarship Funds include low-income residents of JEA’s service area attending one of the four participating schools (Edward Waters College, Jacksonville University, University of North Florida and Florida Community College at Jacksonville). The deadline to apply for scholarships from these initial contributions is July 15, 2006. For information on contributing to the fund or for scholarship application information, visit www.jaxscholarship.org or call the Florida Community College Foundation at 904.632.3134.