Judge Leo A. and Mrs. Gilberta Jackson Justice and Integrity Scholarship

About the program: The Judge Leo A. and Mrs. Gilberta Jackson Justice and Integrity Scholarship Fund was established Aug. 6, 1999, and named to honor the lives and work of Judge and Mrs. Jackson. The purpose of the fund is to assist collegiate students (juniors and seniors) in attaining their educational goals through scholarship support. Scholarships from this fund will be awarded to students who demonstrate a passion to pursue public or community service-oriented careers as a vehicle to secure justice for all, while adhering to a high standard of personal integrity. 

Judge Leo Jackson, BA, MBA, JD (1920-1996) was an alumnus of Morehouse College, class of 1943, and taught briefly at Florida A&M University. He received an honorary degree from Morehouse College in 1978. A son of Orlando, Fla., and the youngest of 15 children, he was a fervent public servant who utilized his legal and business skills to benefit his community. He served as councilman in the city of Cleveland (1957-1970) and as judge, Eighth Appellate District of Ohio (1970-1986), often taking public stands on issues based upon what he believed was just, shunning personal gain and despite risks to his life and career.  

Born in Statham, Ga., and raised in Atlanta, Mrs. Gilberta A. Jackson (1924-1991) was an alumnus of Spelman College, class of 1945. Mrs. Jackson taught in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and actively supported her husband’s work as a public servant. She was an advocate for a well-rounded education, including music and the arts. Judge and Mrs. Jackson were both active in their church, civil rights, and community service activities. They encouraged participation in the electoral process.

Scholarship applicants’ primary residences are limited to the geographic areas of Greater Cleveland, Ohio, and the states of Georgia and Florida. They must attend Morehouse College, Spelman College, or Florida A&M University. For the 2012-2013 academic year, applications will be accepted from Spelman College students only.

Eligibility: To be eligible, you must meet these requirements:

• Enrolled full-time at Spelman College. This scholarship is limited to upperclassmen, with strongest preference given to applicants who will be juniors or seniors during the school year for which the scholarship will be applied.
• Interested in pursuing a career that will prepare you to achieve public service or community service goals

Application process: Applications can be downloaded using the link below and are also available at the Office of Financial Aid at Spelman College. Your completed application packet must include:

• Application
• FAFSA results (a Student Aid Report)
• College transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation (expected to be mailed independently)
• An essay

To apply: Download the Judge Leo A. and Mrs. Gilberta Jackson Justice and Integrity Scholarship application (deadline April 30, 2012)