Our Mission

The Bronx and “the projects” have historically and unfairly been stereotyped with an overemphasis on dysfunction and crime. There has been minimal acknowledgment of the bright, conscientious, motivated youth who succeed against adverse socioeconomic odds. In memory of a woman who believed in and encouraged children from these communities, the Juanita James Memorial Scholarship Foundation (JJMSF) seeks to reverse this trend of negative perspectives and “Project Pride in the Projects” by providing positive role models, financial assistance, and mentoring to college students.

For almost all of her adult life, Juanita James was the neighborhood babysitter in the Melrose Projects in the South Bronx. She stressed the importance of education to her own children and to the many young people for whom she cared. After Juanita’s untimely passing in 1985, her two daughters established the Juanita James Memorial Scholarship Foundation with monies they received in sympathy cards and with their mother’s meager assets.

JJMSF candidates are required to complete an application, submit a transcript, and write an essay. A committee consisting of JJMSF board members reviews the applications and selects finalists who are invited to a group interview. Recipients are chosen based on their academic records, their essays, their participation in the interviews, and their expressed willingness to give back to the youth of their communities. First and foremost, JJMSF seeks to support residents of housing projects in the Bronx. If no such students apply or qualify during a given year, however, the Board may consider applicants beyond this target population.

Recipients receive an initial grant upon enrolling in college. They continue to receive financial assistance and mentoring services during at least four years of undergraduate studies provided that they submit proof of college re-enrollment. After graduation, JJMSF strives to maintain continued supportive and collegial relationships as the former recipients mentor current college students and also participate in the organization’s educational, cultural, recreational and community service activities.