The Rutgers Center for Applied Psychology has been nominated to receive a $250,000 grant to "Reduce Bullying in NJ Schools" from the Pepsi Refresh Challenge Competition. And, as regional manager of the project, South Orange resident (and Jefferson School parent) Steven M. Hollow is trying to help.

According to Hollow, the Rutgers Center for Applied Psychology is "aiming to create safe and positive learning environments in NJ schools—environments where kids can excel, where teachers love to teach, and where parents and the community are proud." Hollow works for the Rutgers Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Project, which is under the Center for Applied Psychology.

Said Hollow, "Bullying affects everyone that sees it or knows that it is occurring, not just the 160,000 students that stay home from fear of being bullied each day, or the middle school boys that exhibit bullying behavior, 60% of whom will go on to have a criminal record by their twenties, everyone."

In order to receive these funds, and to educate the public about bully prevention, Hollow and his cohorts need to get as many people as possible to vote for the Rutgers anti-bullying program. Beginning May 1, proponents can cast votes on the Refresh Everything website.

To help Hollow and Rutgers win, you need to create a user name and password and vote for this project every day in the month of May. Instructs Hollow, "This project description is organized within the $250,000 category. Once you are logged in, you can vote for the project. Voting will be open from May 1st through May 31st, 2010, and remember we need you to vote daily!"

As of yesterday afternoon, the project's vote ranking had gone from 318 to 89, but it needs to go higher.

Said Hollow, "This is an incredible opportunity for New Jersey schools."