January 28, 2009
Dear Administrator / Education Director:
The Joseph DeJames Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the memory of a man who dedicated his life to ensuring that kids who had become ensnared in the Juvenile Justice System would not be mistreated, simply because they were accused of breaking the law. Often times battling those who turned a blind eye to these kids, or worse yet, advocated harsh treatment for them. Joe worked tirelessly to ensure that Juvenile Detention Centers provided safe, clean and decent living conditions. Joe also worked to see that the kids housed in detention centers would receive a thorough and effective educational and social service program.
To honor Joe’s memory, and to continue his life long efforts to help youth, a scholarship fund has been established in Joe’s name. Eligible recipients include the children of staff at any of New Jersey’s 17 county Juvenile Detention Centers or youngsters who have been involved in New Jersey’s Juvenile Justice System and who are now putting their lives back together and getting on the right track.
The scholarship may be used to support the post-secondary educational expenses of recipients. Scholarship funds can be sued to defray the costs of tuition and books for a program of study at any accredited post-secondary educational program (i.e. college, university, or trade school).
We are writing to you requesting your assistance in sending nominations and applications for this scholarship. Below guidelines must be addressed:
A. Candidate must complete application.
B. Candidate must submit essay (500-1000 words) describing why they should receive scholarship.
C. Candidate must submit a letter of nomination from a person associated with the Juvenile Justice System.
D. Candidate must identify facility by name. If parent or guardian is an employee of facility please note.
E. Additional information is encouraged (i.e. Awards, Citations, etc.).
F. Application, nomination letter and essay must be post marked no late then, April 1, 2009.
Please mail all information to:
The Joseph DeJames Memorial Scholarship
C/ O BCJDC
PO Box 6000
Mount Holly, NJ 080600
A panel of NJJDA officers and former colleagues will review all submitted applications. A selection will be made on or about June 1, 2009.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Frederick S. Green
NJJDA Scholarship Chairperson
