<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>***REMINDER: DEADLINE TO APPLY IS TUESDAY, APRIL 15***<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>**How to Attend the NFB 2025 National Convention: Scholarships and Fellowships for First-Timers**<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) 2025 National Convention is an extraordinary event bringing together over 3,000 blind and low-vision individuals from across the country. This year, it’s happening in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, from July 8-13, 2025. If you’ve never attended this transformative convention in person, there are two incredible programs to help make your first experience unforgettable: the Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship and the McDonald Fellowship. Here’s everything you need to know about these opportunities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>### **The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship**<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship, run by the National Federation of the Blind, is a national program designed to assist first-time convention attendees. This scholarship aims to empower individuals to overcome the challenges of vision loss by connecting them with a supportive community and resources during the convention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>**Who Can Apply?**<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Anyone who has never attended an NFB National Convention in person is eligible to apply for this scholarship.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>**How to Apply:**<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Visit the [Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship webpage](<a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship" target="_blank"><b>https://nfb.org/.../kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship</b></a>) for full details.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- The application requires responses to essay questions. Ensure you review and prepare your answers thoughtfully before submitting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Deadlines for this scholarship align with the McDonald Fellowship to encourage applicants to pursue both opportunities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>### **The McDonald Fellowship**<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Established in 1998, the McDonald Fellowship honors the legacy of Robert and Marian McDonald, who contributed significantly to the progress and empowerment of blind individuals in Virginia. Administered by the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia (NFBV), this program specifically supports Virginians attending the national convention for the first time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>**Who Can Apply?**<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>First-time attendees from Virginia who are connected to an NFBV chapter or affiliate are encouraged to apply. Winners will receive financial assistance to cover the costs of attending the convention, including travel, lodging, and meals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>**What to Expect as a Fellow:**<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- McDonald Fellowship winners must attend the entire convention and are expected to participate in the banquet on Sunday, July 13, 2025.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Winners will be paired with mentors who help them navigate the convention and make the most of their experience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Fellows will share their experiences during the 2025 NFB of Virginia State Convention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>**How to Apply:**<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Submit your application online at [<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fnfbv.org%2Fmcdonald&h=AT1Iv8GjBUR-bU6xueJpIInz51-8MjXsUiGKOtLghLe-xM0wPkGdEec2I-Kid9ieJFXKjot8hvy-XTYRKE-hOJnHOCe52Q3QAz_t2bMiu_sZWd9z0W3m03lJJ6-0vwYiq68-531i1Puc7OowlXQwHsBsUiNlZOUBSlPzjtyMryNMh3Sc&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5b0%5d=AT31vrBv3AH66GWAqp7DbSnhUQouH6m8t1w_9UkJ7Xh6Od7YrfFRkgHXIj2SUhlqq0n1z2ChGjC8v7jwv548dmGnYyhZ9mFu7YzZAwY386bnkHNMoKg8VBsufCSE95AzwVIiMaQe6gJV3s2G5zVPiQOmVSqxlQF7flHQ1n4ZsEsAggX54Ue4IzvpdaVtXlKe" target="_blank"><b>nfbv.org/mcdonald</b></a>](<a href="https://nfbv.org/mcdonald" target="_blank"><b>https://nfbv.org/mcdonald</b></a>) by **Monday, April 15, 2025**.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Prepare answers to the following in advance:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Personal contact details<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Chapter or affiliate connection<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- How you will benefit from the experience<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Contributions to your chapter or affiliate over the past year<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Any additional pertinent details<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Obtain a recommendation letter from your Chapter President or an affiliate Board Member. Recommendation letters are also due by **April 15, 2025** and should be sent to Mary Durbin at <a href="mailto:mrdurbin@cox.net">mrdurbin@cox.net</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>### **Tips for a Strong Application**<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. **Prepare Early:** Since the online forms don’t allow you to save and return, draft your answers in a separate document first.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2. **Be Clear and Concise:** Avoid complex formatting like bullet points or fonts that the form may not support.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3. **Secure Recommendations Early:** Reach out to your chapter leaders well in advance to ensure they have time to write a strong letter for you.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>### **Why You Should Apply**<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Attending the NFB National Convention is a life-changing experience. You’ll gain new skills, meet mentors, and connect with a community that understands the challenges and opportunities of vision loss. Both the Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship and the McDonald Fellowship are designed to help you take advantage of this incredible event. Don’t miss the chance to learn, grow, and be inspired—apply today!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you have any questions about the McDonald Fellowship, contact Mary Durbin at <a href="mailto:mrdurbin@cox.net">mrdurbin@cox.net</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Make 2025 the year you attend the NFB National Convention. It won’t be the same without you!<span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Peace,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Jacki Bruce<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Corresponding Secretary NFBV<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com">mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="tel:(757)291-1789">tel:(757)291-1789</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Membership Chair<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:membership@nfbv.org">mailto:membership@nfbv.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="tel:(757)354-4170">tel:(757)354-4170</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Find us on Facebook @NationalFederationoftheBlindofVirginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Find us on Instragram @nfbofvirginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Subscribe to our Youtube: NFB Virginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="http://www.nfbv.org/">www.nfbv.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>STRONGER TOGETHER!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>