[Nfbv-announce] Jernigan Fund Convention Scholarships

[Fredric Schroeder]

Allen Harris chairs the Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund
committee. Below is an important announcement for those who would like to
attend this year's national convention.

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      The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund is looking for
individuals who can use some financial assistance to attend our national
convention in Dallas, Texas. In 2010 our convention will begin on Saturday,
July 3, and run through Thursday, July 8. This will be only the second year
that we have operated on this abbreviated schedule. The convention is a day
shorter than you might expect, ending with the banquet Thursday evening.
Who is eligible to receive a Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship?
      If you are a member of the National Federation of the Blind, you are
eligible to apply. Preference, however, will be given to first-time
convention attendees. The scholarship selection committee is able to make
an occasional exception, but first-time convention participants are the
target group.
What do I have to do to apply for a Kenneth Jernigan Convention
Scholarship?
      You must do the following and are responsible for these application
requirements:
1. Find out who your state NFB president is and get him or her to write a
letter of recommendation for you, or you may have a chapter president or
other officer write a letter of recommendation, but we must have a letter
from a Federation leader who is familiar with you.
2. You must write a letter to the Kenneth Jernigan Fund committee
expressing the reasons why you want a scholarship. Describe your
participation in the Federation and what you think you would get and give
to the convention. Please send all information to Allen Harris, 5209
Sterling Glen Drive, Pinson, Alabama 35126, or email the information to
<allen.harris at dwx.com> or <joy.harris at dwx.com>.
3. You must register for and attend the entire convention, including the
banquet.
What else must I do to insure that my application will be considered?
      We must receive all of the following:
1. Your full name
2. Your address
3. Your telephone numbers (home, business, cell)
4. Your email address (if you have one)
5. Your state president's name and the name of your local chapter, if you
attend one
      All applications must be received by April 14, 2010.
How do I get my scholarship funds?
      You will get a debit card at the convention loaded with the amount of
your scholarship award. The times and locations to pick up your debit card
will be listed in the notice you receive if you are a scholarship winner.
The committee is not able to provide funds before the convention, so work
with your chapter and state affiliate to assist by advancing funds you can
pay back when you receive your scholarship.
When will I know if I have been selected as a Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship
winner?
      The committee makes every effort to notify scholarship winners by May
15, but you must do several things to be prepared to attend if you are
chosen:
1. You must make your own hotel reservation. If something prevents you from
attending, you can cancel your reservation.
2. You will receive a letter with the convention details which should
answer many of your questions. It is also helpful to find a mentor from
your chapter or affiliate to act as a friend and advisor during the
convention. Although you will not know officially whether or not you have
been selected until mid-May, you must make plans to attend and then adjust
your plans accordingly.
      This past summer in Detroit the Jernigan Fund scholarship committee
awarded seventy Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships. The average grant was $600.
You can include in your letter to the committee any extenuating
circumstances which the committee may choose to take into consideration.
Above all, please use this opportunity to attend your first convention and
join several thousand other blind Federationists in the most important
meeting of the blind in the world.
      If you have questions or need additional information, call Allen
Harris at (205) 520-9979 or email him at <allen.harris at dwx.com>. You may
also email Joy Harris at <joy.harris at dwx.com>. We look forward to seeing
you in Dallas.
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