Department of Human Services - Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

2013 Application Deadline: May 17, 2013

The following privately-funded scholarships
will be awarded to 3 deserving student applicants:

The Nathan & Sally Rogoff Scholarship for Academic Excellence

Amount: $1,000

Sponsor: NJ Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired - Board of Trustees

Award based on (evaluative priority order):
GPA, SAT score, essay quality, strength of letters of recommendation, and amount and nature of community service

Background: The late Nathan and Sally Rogoff (right) were both well known for their generosity and dedication to helping others, especially young people who are blind or visually impaired. Mr. Rogoff served on the NJCBVI Board of Trustees for over 30 years.

The Trenton Thunder Scholarship for Leadership and Community Service

Amount: $1,000

Sponsors: The Trenton Thunder Baseball Team & NJCBVI Board of Trustees

Award based on (evaluative priority order):
Amount and nature of community service, essay quality, strength of letters of recommendation, GPA, and SAT score

Background:
The Trenton Thunder is the Double “A” Affiliate team for the New York Yankees. Every year, since 2006, in partnership with NJCBVI and the NJ State Library Talking Book and Braille Center, the Thunder have hosted a “Blind and Visually Impaired Awareness Night” during a regularly scheduled home game played at Waterfront Park, in Trenton, NJ.

The Cathy and Herb Bodensiek Scholarship for Students Majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) or Business Administration

Amount: $2,000

Sponsor: Private Donor

Award based on (evaluative priority order): Candidate must be a STEM or Business Administration; GPA, essay quality, strength of letters of recommendation, financial need, SAT score and amount and nature of community service.

Background: Herb Bodensiek and his late wife, Cathy, both contributed many volunteer hours and personal resources to organizations serving people who are blind or visually impaired. This privately funded scholarships was established to encourage and support the career goals of NJCBVI students who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) or Business Administration.

PLEASE NOTE:

You will find the link for the application at the end of these instructions. Carefully review this information to be sure you qualify for these scholarships before applying. Applications and supporting documentation must be received by or before May 17, 2013. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Notices will not be sent to students who are missing necessary documentation.

Eligibility Requirements:

U.S. citizen
Resident of New Jersey
Active/Eligible NJCBVI Client
College-bound high school seniors or recent high school graduates who will attend college in 2013-2014
College students in their freshman, sophomore, junior or senior year of studies
Graduate students in their first or second year of masters level studies or college seniors who will pursue a graduate level education

Applicant must demonstrate:

A minimum GPA of 2.5
Community involvement /service to others
Financial need (Bodensiek Scholarship only)

Qualified Institutions & Level of Study
Award may be used at:

Two-year college
Four-year college
Accredited technical career or trade school

Location of school:

United States

GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR ALL APPLICANTS

The application must be completed by the NJCBVI student.
The application must be completed on-line or e-mailed as an attachment to:

Bernice.Davis@dhs.state.nj.us
No handwritten applications will be accepted.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Each essay section requires a response of no less than 100 words and no more than 300 words.
- Proofread your essay answers in addition to having at least one other person proofread your application
- Spelling errors or poor writing skills may lower your evaluative score
The following supporting documents are required and MUST be submitted together in one envelope:
1. SAT Score
2. Most recent academic transcript
3. Post-secondary letter of acceptance and/or verification of enrollment
4. List of extra-curricular and community service activities
5. Applicant Certification (Download)
6. 2 Letters of recommendation
  - Letters (one page or less) must include comments explaining why you are deserving of a scholarship
  - High school seniors: One letter must be from a teacher, counselor or administrator employed by the school you are currently attending
  - Letters from family members will not be considered
Each application package will be judged on its own merit, so include any information that demonstrates that you are an exceptional candidate to receive the award.
Optional: You may also send no more than 5 additional supporting documents (examples: awards or honors received, additional letters of recommendation, news clippings, etc.)
Mail supporting documentation to: (DEADLINE MAY 17, 2013)
NJCBVI - 2013 Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 47017
Newark, NJ 07101-47017
Attn: Dr. Bernice Davis