The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is proud to recognize Stephanie Jackson as a 2026 CPOF scholarship recipient.
Stephanie serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Warden at the Gadsden Re-Entry Center with the Florida Department of Corrections while continuing her education at Tallahassee State College, where she is pursuing an associate’s degree in Infant and Toddler Early Childhood Development, Education, and Management.
Her story is a powerful reminder that education is not bound by age or circumstance—it is fueled by purpose.
In her scholarship essay, Stephanie reflects on a life centered around family, faith, and serving others. After the loss of her mother, she and her sister were raised by their grandparents, whose love, stability, and discipline helped shape the woman she would become.
Throughout her life, Stephanie has been the person family members could always count on. Whether organizing family gatherings, caring for loved ones, or helping relatives through difficult seasons of life, serving others became second nature.
Her professional journey has been just as diverse.
From working her way into management at McDonald’s to earning an Associate of Science in Computer Networking, Stephanie has served in numerous roles, including the Florida Highway Patrol Regional Communications Center, Gadsden County Schools, the Department of Children and Families, and now the Florida Department of Corrections.
Along the way, she also embraced her most important role—raising a family. As the proud mother of four children and grandmother of seven grandchildren, Stephanie says those experiences taught her patience, compassion, flexibility, and a deep appreciation for the importance of early childhood development.
Those lessons inspired her to return to the classroom.
Now in her fourth semester at Tallahassee State College and earning recognition on the President’s List, Stephanie is working toward a dream she has carried for years: opening a family-operated daycare and eventually a preschool that provides children with a safe, loving, and educational environment where they can thrive.
She believes that every child deserves a strong start in life, and she hopes to make that vision a reality by combining her professional experience, family values, and passion for serving others.
This scholarship will help ease the financial burden of continuing her education, allowing Stephanie to remain focused on achieving her goal of making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families throughout her community.
We are honored to support Stephanie as she continues her educational journey and applaud her commitment to lifelong learning, public service, and creating opportunities for future generations.
Photo caption: CPOF scholarship recipient Stephanie Jackson is pictured after receiving her 2026 scholarship award.