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Since 2009, the Kenneth M. Smith Scholarship Fund has awarded 154 scholarships. One hundred and twenty-four scholarships were for $1,000 and thirty-two were for $2,000 for a total of $188,000 in scholarships for JAG graduates. Funding for the KMS Scholarship Fund has come from JAG Board members as well as the Western Union Foundation, Lillian Goldman Trust, Strategic Partnerships LLC and Corporate Education Resources, Inc.
The Kenneth M. Smith Scholarship Fund and the Smith Scholars Program were established by the JAG Board to recognize the extraordinary leadership and service of the President and Chief Executive Officer of Jobs for America’s Graduates, Inc., Kenneth M. Smith. The number of scholarships awarded is dependent on the donations to the Kenneth M. Smith Scholarship Fund. Mr. Smith has been the only President and CEO of Jobs for America’s Graduates and was the President and CEO of the founding state affiliates, Jobs for Delaware Graduates, Inc., in 1979. Jobs for America’s Graduates was launched in 1980 to test the JAG Model nationwide under the Board leadership of Delaware Governor Pierre S. du Pont IV and CEO Kenneth M. Smith.
In 2019, JAG will be awarding scholarships in memory of Carolyn Warner. Carolyn was the Arizona Superintendent of Education who recognized the value of the JAG Model and wanted Arizona to be the second state. Carolyn Warner was a member of the JAG Board of Directors for 38 years, serving for more than 20 years as Treasurer and Chair of the Investment Committee. She spoke with unrelenting passion about JAG and all that it has accomplished to all who would listen. Carolyn will truly be missed by the JAG National Network having been the keynoter at the annual National Training Seminar for two decades.
Scholarship Guidelines:
1. Scholarships are awarded to U.S. citizens who are high school seniors and are planning to pursue a postsecondary degree or certificate, at: a public or private two-year community college, technical college, college/university, apprenticeship or trade school. Scholarships are awarded to former Smith Scholars who apply for a follow-on scholarship to continue pursuit of a postsecondary degree or certificate and demonstrate financial need.
2. Online applications submitted by the deadline of February 25, 2019 will be reviewed by JAG Board members on the Scholars and Governance Committees. After midnight on February 25, no applications may be uploaded for consideration by the 2019 Kenneth M. Smith Scholarship Fund.
3. Scholarship recipients are welcome to attend the National Leadership Awards Luncheon in November of 2019 although attendance is not required to be a Smith Scholar and expenses are not reimbursable.
4. The number of awards may vary from year to year based upon the Kenneth M. Smith Scholarship Fund balance. No less than ten (10) scholarship recipients will be announced at the JAG Board Meeting in April and posted on the JAG website on April 16, 2019.
5. A letter and check for the monetary award will be mailed to Smith Scholars on or about May 1, 2019. Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, housing, textbooks, or school supplies.
6. It is highly recommended to review the reviewers’ rating sheet prior to submitting an application. The rubric can be found here. Please read the rubric and information on this page carefully. Every year nearly 50% of applicants do not move past the first round because they are missing a document or do not provide a reference letter outlining the details below.
Additional Document Instructions:
- At the bottom of the application there are upload sections where the following documents can be submitted.
- Resume – must not exceed two typed pages, which includes personal information, education, and employment history as well as the following sections: Awards and Honors, Community Service, and Leadership Roles and Activities.
- Essay (Word or .doc preferred but not required) – The essay must be two pages (single spaced, 12pt Arial font) that address the following:
- The three reasons you enrolled in the JAG program and the most important lesson you learned from your JAG Specialist.
- Your personal story and what lessons you learned from meeting challenges in your life.
- The reason you picked your career pathway and why you feel the educational institution you selected will help you make the most progress toward your career goal.
- Your commitment to JAG to uphold the responsibilities of a Smith Scholar by achieving your career goal and helping others who need a boost to achieve their academic and career goals.
- High School Transcript – official or unofficial.
- Proof of Application or Acceptance – Upload either of these documents below. If you cannot upload for some reason there is space to explain.
- Three Reference Letters – Upload three reference letters below that document the specific examples required.
- Reference #1 provide specific examples of applicant’s academic capabilities and achievements
- Reference #2 provide specific examples of applicant’s leadership capabilities and activities. Additional credit will be given to letters coming outside of the school – places of volunteering, employment, etc.
- Reference #3 provide specific examples of applicant’s job/career readiness. Additional credit will be given to letters coming outside of the school – places of volunteering, employment, etc.
- High Resolution Photo – The applicant’s photo is uploaded below.
- U.S. Citizenship – Provide evidence of U.S. Citizenship