Friends of Virgin Islands National Park is now accepting applications for its two undergraduate scholarship programs — the Jeffrey Matheny Scholarship and the Noble Samuel Scholarship and Internship — for the 2025-26 academic year. Eligible applicants must submit their materials by Monday, March 24.
The scholarships, which provide $2,500 per semester contingent on meeting requirements, are available to high school seniors and undergraduate students from St. John and St. Thomas. Applicants should plan to pursue studies in fields that contribute to natural resource protection or promote the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of St. John.
“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to support young Virgin Islanders as they pursue their dreams,” said Tonia Lovejoy, executive director of Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. “We are committed to building a pipeline of educational opportunities, including our School Kids in the Park, Learn to Swim, and Summer Trail Crew programs, along with internships and scholarships like these.”
The Noble Samuel Scholarship and Internship, established in 2021, honors the legacy of Noble Samuel, a Virgin Islands National Park ranger known for his passion and dedication to sharing the park’s beauty. This scholarship, which includes a paid internship, is awarded to students focused on making St. John more sustainable. The 2024-25 recipients include Sanaa Burke (University of Delaware), Kaj Gerard (University of the Virgin Islands), Maxim McMahon (University of the Virgin Islands), and Ameir Sprauve (University of the Virgin Islands).
The Jeffrey Matheny Scholarship, created in 2010 by his family to honor his love of St. John, supports Virgin Islands students pursuing degrees in natural resource management and protection. Current recipients for the 2024-25 academic year are Una Alexander (Howard University), Lindsay Barr (Colorado State University), Caliyah Helliger (Howard University), Lyric Vacharat (University of North Carolina Wilmington), and Dennis Bigrigg (University of the Virgin Islands).
More information and application forms are available on the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park website at www.friendsVINP.org.
