John E. Frenkel Sr. Educational Grants Program

The Pensacola Interstate Fair, Inc. is dedicated to the betterment of the community through education. For many years it has generously provided unrestricted educational funds to the Pensacola Junior College and to the University of West Florida. During 1983-84, a special grants program was initiated. These grants were restricted to members of Future Farmers of America, 4-H Clubs and Future Homemakers of America who were graduating high school seniors and who, during their senior years, had been actively involved in the presentation of exhibits, projects and displays during the Fair. It was a sincere attempt to reward those who had contributed so much to the success of the fair each year and who wished to continue their educational experiences with the assistance and encouragement of the Pensacola Interstate Fair. The program was well received and several young men and women were able to complete their first year of college as the first Interstate Fair Educational Grants recipients.

1984-85 marked the fiftieth year of the Pensacola Interstate Fair, Inc., which had grown from its humble beginnings in 1935 to a position of prominence and importance throughout the United States.

To properly celebrate this Golden Anniversary event, the members of the Pensacola Interstate Fair, Inc., through the approval of the Board of Directors, substantially increased funds providing for a large number of grants available for 1984-85. This broadened the base to include students heretofore ineligible to apply, and created several new categories to assist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs at PJC and UWF.

As a special and most appropriate tribute to the founder, former General Manager and late chairman of the Board of Directors, the additional funding was used to establish the:

John E. Frenkel Sr.
Educational Grants Program

In honor of his lifelong dedication to education, his outstanding contributions to our community, and his many years of devotion and leadership to the Pensacola Interstate Fair, Inc.

The Pensacola Interstate Fair, Inc. is pleased to continue these important programs, and fully endorses the proposal to fund the Grants Program with as much as possible each year. This funding, broadened eligibility requirements and expanded categories will encourage scholars within the community to apply for assistance towards the realization of individual educational goals. To date over $880,000 has been awarded to more than 920 grant recipients.

After a number of years of offering grants to PJC and UWF students who had participated in the Fair, it was determined by the Committee that the real need was with the high school students. So in 2011, the Grants became restricted to high school seniors only.

For the 2011-2012 Grant year, it gave the Pensacola Interstate Fair great pleasure to present $25,000 to 25 deserving high school seniors.

High School Seniors

All grants will be allocated to graduating High School Seniors of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who, during their high school years, have been competing entrants in any area listed in the Fair Premium Catalogue. All grants are for $1000 dollars each, made payable to any accredited college.

- IMPORTANT -
*Applications for these grants must be made directly to the Educational Grants Committee of the Pensacola Interstate Fair, Inc. Applicants must be residents of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. All grants restricted to those who have been actively involved in the presentation of exhibits, projects and displays during their high school years in any area listed in the Fair Premium Catalogue (or any areas of Fair Exhibit participation).
2. All grants are one time only and non-renewable. It is the desire of the Pensacola Interstate Fair, Inc. to assist as many students as possible through grants provided each year. Hence, all grants are for one-time only and students receiving grants under any category outlined in the application form may not re-apply for a second time.
3. All grants are non-refundable.
4. All grants are for one (1) year only (two semesters), beginning with each Fall Term.
5. All grants are for the purpose of defraying costs of tuition and books at any post secondary educational institution of the applicant’s choice which offers acceptable Technical/Health/Academic programs leading to certificates, associate or baccalaureate degrees. In addition, funds can be used for the purchase of a required computer through the school's purchasing program.
6. All grants are not based on personal needs or high scholastic achievement, but rather on the evaluation made by the Committee as to his/her potential for success in attaining career goals.
7. All unused grants or portions thereof must be returned to the Pensacola Interstate Fair, Inc.
8. Grants to High School Seniors who have made a choice of college or university may not transfer funds during that year.
9. Finalists will be selected in April of each year.
10. High school grants will be sent to the college or university in the first week of August each year.
11. All grants adhere to the provisions of the Equal Opportunities Act.

Applications are available through High School Counselors, the Pensacola Interstate Fair, www.pensacolafair.com, and must be submitted no later than the stated deadline for that year.

Pensacola Interstate Fair, Inc.
John E. Frenkel Sr. Grants Program
730 Bayfront Pkwy #3A
Pensacola FL 32502

Pensacola Interstate Fair Continues to Provide
The Pensacola Junior College Foundation
Twenty Thousand ($20,000) Dollars For Endowed Scholarships

In 1997, at the recommendation of John E. Frenkel, Jr., GeneralManager of the Pensacola Interstate Fair, students at Pensacola Junior College were given more scholarship opportunities as the Board of Directors unanimously approved a Ten Thousand ($10,000) Dollar gift. This Ten Thousand Dollars, when matched by the State of Florida, is providing four (4) endowed scholarships of Five Hundred ($500) Dollars each year. The scholarships began in 1997 and will continue “in perpetuity.”

Combined with the Twenty-five Thousand ($25,000) Dollars under the John E. Frenkel, Sr. Educational Grants Program, a total of Twenty-Seven Thousand ($27,000) Dollars was available for financial aid to the students during 2011-2012 college year. The Pensacola Interstate Fair is proud to continue its 28 year history of providing educational opportunities in our community.