The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has announced that applications for its annual academic scholarship cycle for graduate and undergraduate students will become available online on Monday, Dec. 16. In line with the Foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for children, youth and families in the territory by making enriching opportunities attainable, funds for the scholarships are provided through generous donors to CFVI.
In 2019, CFVI awarded more than $205,000 in scholarships and scholar-grants to 87 students in the St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John districts, according to a press release issued Friday by the Community Foundation.
For the 2020-2021 scholarship cycle, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands will be awarding academic scholarships based on the following criteria. An applicant must:
Be a senior in or graduate of a U.S. Virgin Islands high school (or a graduate of a high school outside of the territory who can provide documentation that he or she transferred due to hurricanes Irma and Maria)
Provide proof of enrollment or admission:
For undergraduate scholarships: Be currently enrolled in or have applied for admission to an accredited four-year institution with a program leading to a bachelor’s degree
For graduate scholarships: Be currently enrolled in or have applied for admission to an accredited institution with a program leading to an advanced degree (Master’s, Ph.D., JD, MD, etc.)
CFVI’s scholarship review committee will make recommendations for selection based on the specific criteria of scholarships available, which may include: overall financial need, academic progress, extracurricular activities and answers to essay questions. Each year more than 20 different named scholarships are offered, spanning a variety of subject/focus areas, such as marine biology, arts/humanities, early childhood education, and health sciences. Scholarships specific to students enrolled/enrolling at the University of the Virgin Islands are also available.
Applications for undergraduate and graduate scholarships can be submitted through an online portal at www.cfvi.co/scholarship2020. All returning applicants must log in to their previously created account. All new applicants must create a new account with the online scholarship portal.
Applicant Checklist (Graduate and Undergraduate students):
2020 CFVI Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form | 2020 CFVI Graduate Scholarship Application Form
Two Letters of Recommendation — CFVI provides applicants with the option of manually uploading recommendation letters to their profile or submitting a request to their recommendation provider via the online application portal.
Resume (optional)
Transcript with Current GPA — Students are required to upload their most recent transcript. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
EFC (Expected Family Contribution) Score from FAFSA form
A statement that explains the student’s current financial status
College Acceptance Letter –Students are required to upload acceptance letters from the school of their choice. If students are already enrolled at an institution, the transcript is sufficient; thus, there is no need to upload the acceptance letter. Students who have not yet received acceptance letters, should upload a document explaining that it has not yet been received. This information can be updated at a later date.
First two pages of most recent stamped tax return — Students who are listed as dependents should upload their parents’ stamped tax return.
Submit (The deadline for application submission is Friday, March 27, 2020 (11:59 p.m. AST).
For any questions or technical assistance, contact Foundation Project Manager Sakile Braithwaite-Hall at sakile@cfvi.net or 774-6031.
For more information, visit www.cfvi.net/grants-scholarships/scholarships
If anyone is interested in donating to an existing scholarship fund or establishing a new scholarship fund, please contact CFVI development partner Katrin Braddell at katrinb@cfvi.net.
All students are encouraged to apply regardless of academic or financial status. CFVI does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status in any of its activities or operations. The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
