Jesse B. Smith was a longtime point man for Jacksonville's economic development initiatives under four mayors. The purpose of the scholarship is to aid in tuition expenses of four-year undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees in city planning, urban studies, public administration, or related field.
Any resident of Duval County or any area of Jacksonville, including Baldwin, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach, who is currently enrolled in or has been accepted into any higher education institution located in the county is eligible to apply.