Applications are being accepted for the third-annual Jacob J Nyenhuis Scholarship. Awarded to a graduating senior from Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Ga., the $8,000 scholarship promotes The J9 Foundation’s vision of compassionate entrepreneurship.

The due date for applications is March 21. The award will be announced on April 21, Jacob’s birthday. More information and applications are available at this website and at the Glynn Academy Guidance Office.

          Get the Application Here 

The recipient will receive $2,000 per year for four years, a total of $8,000, based on meeting the initial criteria and ongoing requirements. Applicants must articulate a passion for entrepreneurship and compassionate service. For example:

Compassionate Entrepreneurs “dream, act and serve.” They dream of starting new ventures, solving real problems and organizing new activities; they take action to make their dreams reality, often by taking risks; they serve others by working to improve their own lives and the lives of others. Compassionate Entrepreneurs are found in business school and in many other places as well. A science major might dream of developing new medicines to offer healing. An arts major might envision developing a studio that will, in part, serve underprivileged children. An education major might imagine finding new approaches to reduce illiteracy.

The scholarship honors The J9 Foundation’s founder, Jacob J Nyenhuis. He grew up on St. Simons Island and graduated with honors in 2006 from Glynn Academy. He died in an automobile accident in the fall of that year while returning to the University of Georgia, where he was a freshman. Jacob inspired his family and friends with his entrepreneurial spirit, passion, dreams and Christian faith. When he began buying and selling real estate at age 15, he used the proceeds to improve his own life and to help others. He dreamed of establishing a real estate company called “J9 Development” (“J” from Jacob and “9” from Nyenhuis – pronounced Nine-hice) and a charitable foundation. After his death, family and friends formed his foundation, naming it “The J9 Foundation,” to promote the vision of Compassionate Entrepreneurship.” 

Students applying for the scholarship must complete a brief questionnaire and short essay (see the application). They must also submit a letter of recommendation from one adult other than a parent or teacher (pastor, employer, mentor, etc.) and an official high school transcript. Finalists may be asked to participate in a personal interview. Ideas, vision and experience will be considered as much as academic performance.

To maintain the scholarship for four years, students must provide a brief annual report on progress toward college and career goals. The foundation will remain in contact with its “J9 Scholars” through college and beyond for the purpose of encouraging them and inspiring others. 

The previous winners were Thomas Parker of St. Simons Island in 2007 and Megan Wiley of St. Simons Island in 2008. Thomas is now a sophomore at the College of Charleston and Megan is a freshman at Georgia College and State University.

Reminder: 

• Applications are available from the Glynn Academy Guidance Office and at The J9 Foundation website: www.j9foundation.org.
• All application documents are due by March 21.
• The scholarship winner will be announced April 21, Jacob’s birthday. Funds will be paid directly to the student each year by August 1.