Nelson Mandela Scholarship Deadline extended to February 23

On behalf of the National Executive Board of NBLSA, the National Education Co-Chairs, Nicole Alexander and Conway Ekpo, are pleased to announce that the annual Nelson Mandela Scholarship deadline has been extended for the Mid-West, Northeast, Rocky Mountain, and Western Regions. The new deadline for these regions is now Friday, February 23^rd, 2007.

The scholarship’s namesake is the famed South African civil rights activities and political leader. Mr. Mandela has dedicated his life to liberating the people of South Africa from the oppressive hands of apartheid and segregation. The liberation efforts of Mr. Mandela are an inspiration to the members of NBLSA, which is why we choose to award this scholarship in his name. NBLSA takes great pride in the spirit of Mr. Mandela’s efforts to improve the state of affairs of Black people in South Africa.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

The scholarship is awarded on an annual basis to six (6) African-American college students/graduates (one students from each NBLSA region) who plan to enter law school in the United States in the Spring of 2007 or Fall of 2007 and who will be first year law students, and to first year (1L) law students who entered law school during the Fall of 2006, and are currently first year law students. A $1000 monetary award and a certificate will be given to each student. The scholarship will provide financial support for award and a certificate will be given to each student. The scholarship will provide financial support for those whose financial condition is minimal. The scholarship can be used by the student in whatever capacity need be. Applicants must write a proposal addressing the issue raised by the essay question:

ESSAY QUESTION

The United States government has recognized the violence, slaughter, rape, starvation and displacement of the Sudanese people in Darfur as "genocide". What role, if any, should the United States government play in eliminating this situation and why?

The winning essay will be chosen on content, grammar and style. The essay must be the completed product of the entrant. The proposal must be between 500 and 1000 words, typed, and double-spaced on 8 ½” x 11” paper.

CRITERIA

• Four (4) copies of your essay (between 500 and 1000 words). Put your name and address information on the cover sheet of the essay. (Do NOT put your name or any identifying information on any page of the essay)

• A resume and two (2) letters of recommendation

• An official transcript from all undergraduate institutions and law schools.

• Must submit verification of acceptance to law school for the Spring or Fall 2006 or letter from your law school that you are a current first year student who entered law school in the Fall of 2006.

• Must include community service, future career plans, and extracurricular activities.
• An E-mail address where the scholarship committee may contact you.
  

SELECTION PROCESS

Members of the NBLSA National Board shall select the scholarship recipients. All proposals must be postmarked on or before Friday, February 23^rd, 2007. All recipients will be notified via e-mail by March 9^th, 2007 if they have received the award and will be invited to attend the National Convention in Atlanta, GA at the recipient’s expense. Attendance at the convention is not a requirement to enter the contest.

Please send your completed application package to:

Conway Ekpo & Nicole Alexander
NBLSA Education Co-Chairs
24 Johnson Avenue
Newark, NJ 07108
Attn: Nelson Mandela Scholarship