ILA Local 1408 Scholarship Fund awards record $82,000 in scholarships

2 MIN READ

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local 1408 Scholarship Fund awarded a record $82,000 in scholarships to 24 local high school seniors and college students during a ceremony today at Edward Waters University.

During the ceremony, Jacksonville native Ayden Glover received the Fund’s top award: a $10,000 college scholarship. Glover is a sophomore at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Administration and plans to attend law school after completing her undergraduate studies.

“As a college student, I am responsible for expenses such as tuition, textbooks, housing, transportation, and other academic necessities,” Glover said. “Receiving scholarship assistance helps reduce my family’s financial burden and allows me to continue focusing on my academic and professional goals.”

Founded in 1995 by Jacksonville native Charles Spencer, the ILA 1408 Scholarship Fund has awarded more than 1,200 scholarships totaling over $1.5 million. Many recipients are first-generation college students. The Fund is affiliated with the labor union ILA Local 1408, which represents many of the longshoremen and dock workers who move cargo through JAXPORT’s terminals.

This year, the Fund increased the individual award amounts, with the top four recipients sharing a total of $34,000. The top recipient received a $10,000 scholarship, and the next three highest-ranked 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.”

Recipients are selected based on a range of criteria, including GPA, community service, and personal essays. Glover is a member of the Honors Student Association, mentors middle school students, and volunteers at her church.

“My career goal is to become an attorney and work within government, public policy, or public service,” Glover said. “I am passionate about advocacy, leadership, and creating positive change within communities, particularly for underrepresented populations. Through my education and professional experiences, I hope to develop the skills necessary to become a strong leader who can make meaningful contributions in the legal and public service fields.”

All board members and recipients wore their favorite shade of blue in honor of the ILA’s maritime heritage.

The Fund is supported annually by community and corporate sponsors. This year’s Title Sponsor is Antoinette Rowe.

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.

Download high-resolution photos