Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund
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, 2008, and run through Saturday, July 5, 2008. This is one day off of the typical Convention week as it starts one day later and lasts one day more. However, each year, we manage nicely to figure out the pattern even when the usual days change.
Who is eligible to receive a Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship?
If you are a member of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), you are eligible to apply; however, PREFERENCE IS GIVEN TO "FIRST TIME" CONVENTION ATTENDEES. We are able to make an occasional exception but first time participants are our target group.
What do I have to do to apply for a Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship?
You must do the following and we expect you to take responsibility for these application requirements:
- Find out who your State President of the NFB is and get him or her to write a letter of recommendation for you. You may also have a Chapter President or other Officer write a letter of recommendation but we must have a letter from an NFB person who is familiar with you.
- You must write a letter to the Kenneth Jernigan Fund Committee expressing the reasons why you should get a Scholarship. Tell us about your participation in our Federation and what you think you would get and give to our Convention.
- You must attend the entire Convention, including our Banquet, and register for the Convention.
When I arrive, how do I get my Scholarship funds?
If you receive a notice that you are a “WINNER,” the notification will indicate that you can pick up your “CASH” Scholarship funds at the Convention. The times and locations of where you can pick up your Scholarship funds will be on the notification letter.
We are not able to provide funds before Convention, so work with your Chapter and State Affiliate to assist with funds which you will in turn pay back.
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 1st, but there are things you must do to be prepared to attend if you are chosen:
- You must make your own hotel reservation. If something comes up that keeps you from attending, you can cancel your reservation.
- You will receive a letter with all kinds of information about the Convention which should get you started. Also, it is very helpful to find a mentor from your Chapter or Affiliate.
Although you will not know officially until early May, it is necessary for you to make plans to attend and you can adjust accordingly.
This past summer, in Atlanta, we awarded 56 individuals with Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships and the "average" grant was about $500.00. You can certainly include in your letter to the Committee any extenuating circumstances which the Committee may 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, please contact me, Allen Harris, at (515) 274-2256, or e-mail me at allen.harris@dwx.com or Joy Harris at (joy.harris@dwx.com).
We look forward to seeing you in Dallas and enjoying Convention with you and all of our fellow Federationists.
Allen C. Harris
524 4th Street, Apartment 502B
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
(515) 274-2256
allen.harris@dwx.com
