Our Story
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 two daughters and the many young people whom she cared for. While she often couldn’t help them with their homework, she always made sure that they got it done.
After Juanita’s untimely passing, her two adult daughters began the scholarship foundation with money that they received in sympathy cards, along with their own limited funds.
More than three decades after her passing, Juanita James continues to positively influence young people from the projects. We view our mission as a continuation of her life’s work — taking care of young people, and cultivating a sense of pride in the Bronx housing projects.
Juanita James
September 20th, 1928 - June 13th, 1985
Our Mission
The Juanita James Memorial Scholarship Fund (JJMSF) provides scholarships to college students from the Bronx housing projects.
Our scholars receive financial assistance of $1,000 per year ($500/per semester) during at least four years of undergraduate studies, provided that they submit proof of college re-enrollment each semester. Former recipients, board members, and friends of the organization provide mentoring opportunities to current students.
After graduation, we strive to stay connected to our scholars and continue to support them through networking opportunities, and other resources. We meet annually for our longstanding summer picnic in Soundview Park, and also organize various recreational activities throughout the year. Many of our scholars are now great friends, and have built an incredible community together.
Our History
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. We seek to project pride in the projects, by uplifting our brilliant scholars and shedding light on all of their fantastic accomplishments. Learn more about all of the exciting things they’re up to here. (And check back for updates!)
In 1999, co-founder Patricia Jordan wrote an article for the New York Times discussing the early days of the foundation, her childhood, and what her mother taught her. Check out an excerpt below and read the full article here.
“If only the media were as focused on South Bronx scholars as on South Bronx crime.
Pessimists' despair would disappear if they could visit our dynamic group interviews.
Year after year, prompt, well-groomed, articulate finalists discuss life in the projects, peer pressure, role models and aspirations.
Some of our scholars practically reared themselves.
Some are from families who receive public assistance; others have two working parents.
Some are the first in their families to complete high school; others have siblings with college degrees.
Juanita James scholars do not fit any stereotype. Their one common characteristic is residency in a housing project.”