JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Two universities, two colleges and the city of Jacksonville on Monday jointly announced a scholarship program designed to make a college education possible to Duval County public school students from low-income families.

Beginning this fall, The Jacksonville Commitment will guarantee the entire cost of a college degree to any Duval County student who qualifies for free or reduced lunches and meets the enrollment qualifications of the institution they wish to attend.

The University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, Edward Waters College and Florida Community College at Jacksonville are participating in the program.

Nat Glover, former sheriff and now a special advisor to UNF for reducing the dropout rate and encourage youth to seek a higher education.

"If Jacksonville is going to prosper, we must ensure that our citizens are well-educated," Glover said. "Too many high school students don't think a college degree is possible because of the cost. The Jacksonville Commitment is our way of eliminating the cost barrier. This program is an alternative to poverty and an anti-crime measure."

Approximately 9,000 Duval County students in the ninth through 12th grades would financially qualify for the program, but they would also have to meet the admission standards.

Mayor John Peyton pledged $1 million for the initial funding for this scholarship program. The four local colleges are raising private support to compliment the city's funding as the program grows. They hope to build endowments to perpetually fund the program.

"This is the best possible investment for a strong Jacksonville," Peyton said. "An educated workforce ensures a robust economy. We want to raise the per capita income in Jacksonville and this is a great way to achieve that goal."

For more information about the scholarship program, visit JacksonvilleCommitment.org.