When the goals of two organizations are so similar, it's almost inevitable that they work together.  In the case of NJTV and the New Jersey State Governor's Jefferson Awards for Public Services, that common thread is community service. 

"Public television strives to educate, entertain and enlighten our local communities through our programming and engagement initiatives.  The Jefferson Awards strives to recognize individuals who are on the front lines of doing the same education and engagement in their communities.  It's a great match in mission between us," said John Servidio, general manager of NJTV. 

The New Jersey State Governor's Jefferson Awards is a joint program administered by The Community Foundation of New Jersey, NJ Advance Media and The Governor's Advisory Council on Volunteerism, with support from corporate underwriters.  It is a local program of the Jefferson Awards, a national volunteer recognition program established in 1972 by the American Institute for Public Service in cooperation with the U.S. Senate and the White House.  Designed to honor volunteers across the country, the programs are coordinated by local media partners. 

John Servidio, general manager, NJTV.Special to NJ.com

Honorees are recognized in more than 15 award categories and candidates are nominated through the New Jersey State Governor's Jefferson Awards website.  Representatives from The Community Foundation of New Jersey, NJ Advance Media and the Governor's Advisory Council on Volunteerism assist in the selection process.  The nomination form asks a series of questions, which highlight individual and/or group achievements. 

The deadline for 2017 honorees is Jan. 31.  Honorees will be recognized during a local ceremony in the spring, in which they will receive a Jefferson Awards medal and a certificate of recognition.  In June, a select group of honorees will be invited to participate in a national ceremony, taking place in Washington, D.C.

True to its mission of promoting education and engagement, NJTV sponsors the Jefferson Award for Education.  The award recognizes volunteers who provide classroom and/or after-school programs, enrichment opportunities, tutoring, or other academic support that would enhance the student's ability to succeed.  It also recognizes volunteers whose service maintains and preserves New Jersey's history by working with historic sites, museums and other organizations with a special interest in history; or whose service directly or indirectly impacts the arts and cultural fabric of New Jersey. 

"They are a significant ally with getting the word about what's going on in the state, particularly with their coverage of not just breaking news, but issues that are important to the people of New Jersey," said Robert Provost, board chair, New Jersey State Governor's Jefferson Awards. " The other aspect of public broadcasting is its deep engagement with education.  We're delighted to have the education award identified as the NJTV Jefferson Awards for Education.  We look forward to working with NJTV in the future to get word out on the issues in our state and to also get the word out on the Jefferson Awards programs." 

The 2016 honoree, Nancy Norris-Bauer, director of school/community partnerships at William Paterson University, was recognized for her efforts to promote National History Day in New Jersey, providing students the opportunity to engage in primary and secondary research, and present their findings while combining English, science, math, technology, music and, of course, history.  Thanks to her efforts, the program now serves 5,000-plus middle and high school students from public, private, religious and home schools. 

"We seek out those individuals who are actively engaged in their towns and organizations, doing work that reflects the important missions of public television -- to serve and educate the community," Servidio said. 

Norris-Bauer established a statewide advisory board, sought and received annual grant funding, built long-term relationships with archives and historic sites, and actively visited school districts across the state.  As the program grew, Norris-Bauer developed partnerships with Seton Hall, Kean, Princeton, Rutgers, Rider and Monmouth universities, which now sponsor regional contests. 

Benefits for New Jersey students have included invitations to visit Normandy, attend the opening of the World War II Museum in New Orleans, attend congressional breakfasts/an author's lecture/luncheon at the Library of Congress and to view exhibits at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. 

Former History Day participants continue to attest to its value in their college and career development.  For example, a participant, who now attends Princeton University, made a documentary for the New Jersey program, which can be viewed by clicking here. 

Servidio said he's proud of NJTV's support of the Jefferson Awards, and admires the organization's efforts to put a spotlight on volunteers in the community while promoting community outreach, volunteerism and education. 

"Serving the community as an organization and an individual is critical in today's society, and vital in keeping our communities thriving," he said. " Spotlighting the good work that's being done throughout New Jersey through programs, like the Jefferson Awards, brings important awareness of all the good that's being done, and hopefully inspires others to do more in their communities." 

The deadline to nominate someone for a 2017 Jefferson Award is Jan. 31 and categories include:

Verizon Service Through STEM

BD Health Care Individual

BD Health Care Professional

BD Paterson NJ Patriot

PSEG Environmental Stewardship

CFNJ Community Pillar

NJTV Education

Youth Volunteer Program

Against All Odds

Emergency Services

Founders

Good Neighbor

Lifetime Service

Service to Youth

Ambassador

Executive Leadership

Corporate Leadership

Youth in Service

Faith-Based

Volunteer Leadership

Volunteer Group

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Champion for Justice

Contributions from sponsors, such as PNC Bank, BD, Verizon, PSEG, CFNJ and NJTV, are directed to the Community Foundation of New Jersey.  The funding is split 25 percent to the Jefferson Awards recognition program expenses locally and nationally and 75 percent to the programming and communications outreach to promote volunteerism and public service in New Jersey -- which includes the Students in Action program, which impacts more than 5,000 high school and middle school students in New Jersey. 

Students In Action educates young people by building a sense of community awareness and pride and motivating students to care about the world beyond their home and classroom.  It expands the students' awareness to the needs in their community and fosters the development of leadership and project management skills to be used in meeting those needs.