Pensacola, Fla. (February 3, 2026) — The Pensacola Interstate Fair, Inc. is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 John E. Frenkel, Sr. Educational Grant, with a submission deadline of April 3, 2026. Dedicated to supporting local students in their pursuit of higher education, the Fair’s Educational Grants Selection Committee has authorized $30,000 in scholarship funding to assist 25 graduating high school seniors from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

Since the program’s inception, the Pensacola Interstate Fair has awarded more than $1.34 million in educational grants to over 1,397 students, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to investing in the future of the local community.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for graduating seniors who have been involved with the Fair,” said Jamie McDonald, General Manager of the Pensacola Interstate Fair. “The application process is straightforward, and if you’ve participated in Fair competitions or volunteered your time, you’re already eligible. We encourage students to take advantage of this grant as they take the next step toward their educational and career goals.”

2026–2027 Scholarship Details and Eligibility

• Twenty grants of $1,250 each will be awarded to students attending accredited colleges or universities.
• Five grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to students pursuing vocational or technical education.
• Applicants must be graduating high school seniors from Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
• Eligible students must have participated in Fair competitions listed in the Fair Premium Catalog or completed at least 10 documented volunteer hours with the Fair.
• Grants are one-time awards and are non-renewable.

Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, books, and required computer purchases through school programs. Grant recipients are selected based on their potential for success in achieving career goals rather than financial need or academic performance.

How to Apply

Applications are available as a PDF on the Pensacola Interstate Fair website at www.pensacolafair.com. Completed applications must be submitted by mail or in person no later than April 3, 2026, to:

Pensacola Interstate Fair
Attn: Fair Scholarship
2172 W. Nine Mile Road, PMB 210
Pensacola, FL 32534

For additional information, contact Jamie McDonald or Dondi Frenkel at (850) 944-4500.

A Legacy of Educational Support

The Pensacola Interstate Fair has a long history of supporting education through unrestricted funding to local institutions, including Pensacola Junior College and the University of West Florida. In 1983–84, the Fair established a special grants program to recognize graduating seniors involved in organizations such as 4-H, FFA, and Future Homemakers of America who contributed to the Fair’s success.

In celebration of the Fair’s 50th anniversary, the Board of Directors expanded the program and renamed it in honor of John E. Frenkel, Sr., the Fair’s founder, former General Manager, and Chairman of the Board. His lifelong dedication to education and community service continues to shape opportunities for students throughout the region.