Convention Scholarships Available

Convention Scholarships Available

Braille Monitor
March 2008
(back) (contents)
(next)

Convention Scholarships Available
by 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 Dallas,
Texas. In 2008 our convention will begin on Sunday, June 29, and run through
Saturday, July 5. This is one day off from the typical convention week. However,
each year we manage to figure out the pattern even when the days change.
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, 524 4th Street 502B, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, or
email the information to <[email protected]>.
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 1, 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 Atlanta the Jernigan Fund scholarship committee awarded
fifty-six Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships. The average grant was $500. 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
(515) 274-2256 or email him at <[email protected]>. You may also email
Joy Harris at <[email protected]>. We look forward to seeing you in Dallas
and enjoying convention with you and all of our fellow Federationists.
(back) (contents)
(next)