[Njabs-talk] Convention Scholarships
EVELYN E. VALDEZ
tweetybaby19 at comcast.net
Tue Jan 27 00:41:08 UTC 2009
Convention Scholarships Available
by Allen Harris
Allen Harris
>From the Editor: Allen Harris chairs the Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship
Fund committee. He has an important announcement for those who would like to attend
this year's national convention but find themselves short of funds. This is what
he says:
The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund is looking for individuals who can
use some financial assistance to attend our national convention in Detroit, Michigan.
In 2009 our convention will begin on Friday, July 3, and run through Wednesday, July
8. This is an entirely different schedule, and the convention is a day shorter, ending
with the banquet Wednesday 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. However, preference 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, 219 Meadows Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35235, or email the information
to <allen.harris at dwx.com>.
3. You must register for and attend the entire convention, including the banquet.
How do I get my scholarship funds?
You will get cash at the convention. The times and locations 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 early May, you must make plans
to attend and then adjust your plans accordingly.
This past summer in Dallas the Jernigan Fund scholarship committee awarded sixty
Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships. The average grant was $600. You can include in your
letter to the committee any 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)
655-8221 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 Detroit and enjoying convention
with you and all of our fellow Federationists.
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