Local 1408 of the The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) recently awarded a record $80,000 in scholarships to 34 local high school seniors and college students during a ceremony today at Edward Waters University. This marks the largest single-year award in the Fund’s 30-year history.
Founded in 1995 by Jacksonville native Charles Spencer, the ILA 1408 Scholarship Fund has awarded more than 1,000 scholarships totaling over $1 million over the years. Many recipients are first-generation college students.
“Today is all about helping people,” said Spencer. “A college education opens doors, and we’re proud to help the next generation of leaders as they begin their journeys to success.”
During this year’s ceremony, Andrew Jackson High School graduate Jamaree Jenkins received the Fund’s top award: a $10,000 college scholarship. Jenkins, a North Jacksonville resident, will attend Florida State University this fall and pursue a degree in Information Technology. “I’m always appreciative of any opportunity that’s given to me,” Jenkins said. “This scholarship means not having to worry about so much of the financial burden and being able to focus more on my schoolwork and academics.”
Jenkins is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Government Association, and was selected by his peers as 2025 Mr. Andrew Jackson High School.
Recipients are selected based on a range of criteria, including GPA, community service and personal essays. At the ceremony, two additional students received second and third-place awards awards of $5,000 each.
James (Jim) McNamara, Chief of Staff/Director of Public Relations for the ILA International, delivered the keynote address.
“The ILA has always been major players in the community,” McNamara said. “I congratulate Charles and ILA Local 1408 on 30 years of really wonderful dedication.”
The ILA International represents more than 85,000 longshoremen along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The scholarship fund is supported annually by community and corporate sponsors. Students interested in applying for a scholarship through the Fund next year should visit ilascholarshipfund.org. Donations can also be made on the Fund’s website.