Judge Leo A. & Mrs. Gilberta A. Jackson Justice and Integrity Community/Public Service Scholarship

Purpose: The Judge Leo A. and Mrs. Gilberta A. Jackson Justice and Integrity Community/Public Service Scholarship, established at the Cleveland Foundation in 1998 and now managed by College Now Greater Cleveland, is an award that acknowledges exemplary community/public service by college students (rising college juniors and seniors) and financially supports their educational goals.

Full-time college students from Northeast Ohio and the states of Georgia and Florida enrolled at Morehouse College, Spelman College and Florida A&M University are eligible to apply. Scholarships are awarded to students whose interests, advocacy and service activities during their college years best honor and embody the legacy of Judge and Mrs. Jackson via exceptional and meaningful community involvement, and passion for social justice built upon a foundation of intellectual excellence, compassion and personal integrity. Students from Morehouse College, Spelman College and Florida A&M University will all be eligible to apply for the scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year.

A son of Lake City and Orlando, Florida and the youngest of 15 children, Judge Leo A. Jackson (1920-1996) was an alumnus of Morehouse College, BA 1943; Atlanta University, MBA 1946; and Cleveland State University Law School, JD 1950. He taught briefly at Florida A&M University as well. He was also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. A mentee of his College President, Dr. Benjamin Mays, and Atlanta University’s first Sociology Professor, Dr. W.E.B. DuBois, Judge Jackson was determined to follow their examples to become a fervent and visionary public servant who utilized his legal and business skills to benefit the community he served.

He was the first person of color elected to serve as Councilman for Ward 24 in Cleveland, Ohio (1957-1970).  Judge Jackson was also the first African American to serve on the Eighth Appellate District Court of Ohio (1970-1987) (including twice as Chief Judge) and among the first African Americans to be elected countywide.   He was respected and admired for his passion for equal justice under the law and brave principled stands on key issues, for seeing wrong and seeking to right it while shunning personal gain despite risks to his life, career and safety of his family.  His passionate and articulate advocacy was acknowledged by many local organizations, as well as nationally by articles in Ebony and Jet Magazines and by a seat at the table for President Lyndon B. Johnson's Kitchen Cabinet and "To Fulfill These Rights" Advisory Committee. Judge Jackson also received an honorary Doctor of Laws from his alma mater, Morehouse College and was posthumously inducted into the Cleveland State Law School Hall of Fame.

Born in Statham, GA, and raised in Atlanta, Mrs. Gilberta A. Jackson (1924-1991) was an alumna of Spelman College, BA 1945. Mrs. Jackson taught briefly in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District while actively supporting her husband's work as a public servant. She quietly applied her professional skills as a devoted mother and community volunteer, providing leadership in support of several community organizations. She was also a proponent for well-rounded education, including the important role of music and the arts. Judge and Mrs. Jackson were both active in their church--Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio--and ardent advocates for community involvement, equal rights for all and active participation in the electoral process.

Eligibility:

• Minimum 2.5 GPA

• Primary residence in Greater Cleveland OR the state of Georgia or Florida

• Enrolled full-time at Morehouse College, Spelman College or Florida A&M University

• Rising junior or senior

• Pursuing a career/vocation in public or community service

• Able to demonstrate through college activities a lifetime passion for principled leadership and community service, public service and/or social justice in life and career

• Adhere to a high standard of personal integrity

Application Requirements:

• A copy of your most recent academic transcript

• 2025-2026 FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)

• Two nominations. They may either both be from University faculty or staff, or one may be from an off-campus community organization or activity.
• Nomination forms can be accessed here

• Essay (see application page for prompt)

• A document detailing your community service, public service, and/or social justice experiences, either on- or off-campus, as well as any leadership positions held while in college.

• Financial aid award letter from your university

Application Method: Submit a Jackson Scholarship Application here. Applicants must submit two nominations as part of their application. Nomination forms can be accessed here.

Selection Process: Selections will be based on the completed application and adherence to the eligibility criteria. Financial need will be used only as a tie breaker in the case of two otherwise equal applicants.

Award Info: The annual award amount will be determined by the available funds and the number of applicants selected. Award will be for a minimum of $1,000. Formal notification of award will be made by College Now to the selected recipient(s). Awards will be paid directly to the institution and must be applied to tuition, fees, books, supplies and/or equipment required for coursework.

Awarded Student Requirements:
1. Maintain full-time enrollment status during the award year

2. Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA

Renewal: Students may reapply if they are eligible over 2 consecutive years.

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