"If Jacksonville is to prosper, we must ensure our citizens are well-educated," former Sheriff Nat Glover, who serves as an ambassador to higher education, says about "The Jacksonville Commitment."

Presidents from Jacksonville University, the University of North Florida, Edward Waters College and Florida Community College at Jacksonville are joining the program. Any Duval County student who qualifies for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program and is accepted to any of those institutions will be guaranteed the entire cost of a four-year degree including tuition, books, meals and housing.

"This program is about giving the students who need the help the most, the opportunity," Glover said.

Most of the scholarships will be funded through each school's endowments, but Mayor John Peyton is also pledging $1 million from the city budget.

"It'll hopefully reap untold savings," Peyton said, defending the program in tough budget times. "By giving hope and inspiration to kids to keep them in school and keep our street safer and create a workforce that can rise to a knowledge-based economy."

The program will begin for students entering college in the fall of 2008.