At a time when many programs supporting minority students are facing cuts and uncertainty, the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1408 Scholarship Fund is investing more than ever in higher education, awarding a record $82,000 in scholarships to 24 local students.
The scholarships were presented during a ceremony at Edward Waters University, where labor leaders, educators and families celebrated students who have excelled academically while overcoming financial barriers. More than 60% of this year’s recipients are first-generation college students, underscoring the fund’s mission of helping families create new legacies.
Jacksonville native Ayden Glover received the fund’s top scholarship of $10,000. A sophomore at Florida A&M University majoring in political science with a minor in public administration, Glover plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public service.
“Receiving scholarship assistance helps reduce my family’s financial burden and allows me to continue focusing on my academic and professional goals,” Glover said.
Founded in 1995 by Jacksonville native Charles Spencer, the ILA Local 1408 Scholarship Fund has awarded more than 1,200 scholarships totaling more than $1.5 million. The fund is supported by ILA Local 1408, whose members include the longshoremen and dock workers who help keep cargo moving through JAXPORT.
This year marked the fund’s largest financial commitment to date. Rather than spreading awards among more recipients, organizers increased the size of individual scholarships to provide greater relief as college expenses continue to rise. The highest-ranked student received $10,000, while the next three recipients each received $8,000.
“We are very excited to have increased our total funding from last year and to provide more substantial support to our top students,” Spencer said. “This year we received a record number of applications for scholarships, which reflects students’ growing need for financial assistance.”
Executive Director Jadene Newborn Whaley said the decision reflects the financial challenges many students face amid changing policies affecting higher education funding.
“People are hurting, and college students are feeling the brunt of a lot of executive orders that have come down,” Whaley said. “We felt it was really important that we reduce the number of students that we award and make sure the students we do award get a little more.”
Recipients are selected through a competitive scoring system based on academic achievement, community service and personal essays. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, although Whaley said this year’s competition was among the strongest in the fund’s history, with many students earning scores above 90 points.
For first-generation college student Selena Robinson, now a biology and pre-med student at Florida A&M University, the scholarship represents more than financial assistance.
“I’m first-generation, so I didn’t know about the cost or how much it really costs to attend college,” Robinson said.
Students interested in applying for 2027 scholarships can find more info at ilascholarshipfund.org.