Deadline to Apply is April 25, 2024

March 5, 2024

(TRENTON) – Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced students can now apply to the 2024 Board of Trustees Scholarship program, which provides college scholarships to individuals who are blind, deaf-blind, and/or visually impaired.  

The program, run by Human Services’ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI), is open to high school seniors and college students, of any age, who are registered to attend the 2024-2025 academic year. Students must be active or eligible CBVI clients. For full eligibility requirements please visit here.  

“These scholarships work to provide financial support so blind, deaf-blind and visually impaired scholars can reach their academic and professional goals,” said Commissioner Adelman. “The endless opportunities that come with pursing higher education belong to all, including those who are blind, deaf-blind, or visually impaired. We urge those interested to learn more about this program and apply for the 2024-2025 school year.”

Four privately funded scholarships will be available, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Each scholarship will be awarded to a student who best fits the qualifications.

Available scholarships are:

1. The Nathan & Sally Rogoff Scholarship for Academic Excellence
   • Amount: $1,000
   • Sponsor: NJ Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CBVI) - Board of Trustees
   • Award is based on in order of priority: Response to essay questions, GPA, SAT score, strength of letters of recommendation, involvement in extra-curriculum activities, and volunteer/community service.
2. The Caroline Rose Foster Scholarship for Independence and Self-Determination
   • Amount: $1,000
   • Sponsors: The CBVI Board of Trustees
   • Award is based on in order of priority: Response to essay questions, strength of letters of recommendation, GPA, and SAT score.
3. The Cathy and Herb Bodensiek Scholarship for Students Majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) or Business Administration 
   • Amount: $2,000
   • Sponsor: Estate of Herb Bodensiek
   • Award is based on in order of priority: Candidate must major in STEM or Business Administration, response to essay questions, GPA, SAT score, strength of letters of recommendation, involvement in extra-curriculum activities and volunteer/community service, and financial need.
4. The Mary Louise Buckley Scholarship for Students Majoring in Health Services or Communications 
   • Amount: $5,000
   • Sponsor: Estate of Mary Louise Buckley
   • Award is based on in order of priority: Candidate must major in Health Services or Communications, involvement in extra-curriculum activities, volunteer and community service activities, response to essay questions, GPA, SAT score, strength of letters of recommendation, and financial need.

All interested applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 for all scholarships and must demonstrate community involvement and service to others.

 “For well over 25 years, CBVI's Board of Trustees has made it possible to award these scholarships to exemplary blind, deaf-blind, or visually impaired students who are pursuing higher education. We are delighted to offer these scholarships yet again and look forward to extending this valuable opportunity to the next generation of scholars,” CBVI Executive Director Dr. Bernice Davis said. “I urge CBVI consumers to check their eligibility and apply.”

Applications and supporting documents must be submitted online or emailed as an attachment on or before April 25, 2024 to CBVI.Scholarship@dhs.nj.gov.

Applicants who wish to receive the application and application directions in Spanish may email CBVI.Scholarship@dhs.nj.gov.

Selected scholarship winners will be recognized during an awards ceremony at the Trenton Thunder Ballpark on July 25. The 2021 award ceremony can be viewed here.

For questions or additional information, please email Pamela.Gaston@dhs.nj.gov.