Friends of V.I. National Park Accepting Scholarship Applications

 

Friends of Virgin Islands National Park invites university-level students to apply for the Noble Samuel and Jeffrey Matheny scholarships for the 2022-23 school year. The deadline for applications is Monday, July 11.

“These scholarships are borne of love for the Virgin Islands National Park and a desire to support the next generation of conservationists in the Virgin Islands,” Tonia Lovejoy, executive director, Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, said in a press release.

The Noble Samuel Scholarship is available to available to Virgin Islands student attending college (the University of the Virgin Islands or another university) and is a $5,000 annual scholarship paid biannually. Scholarship recipients in 2021-22 were Ki’Janne’ Alfred (Stetson University) and Lila Uzzell (UVI graduate program).

The Jeffrey Matheny Scholarship is available to Virgin Islands students at the university level studying fields related to natural resource management and/or protection and is a  $5,000 annual scholarship paid biannually. The recipients in 2021-22 were Caliyah Helliger (Howard University), Lila Uzzell (UVI graduate program), and Lyric Vacharat, (University of North Carolina Wilmington).

While priority will be given to Virgin Islanders, and St. John students in particular, studying at UVI, Virgin Islanders studying at any accredited university are eligible to apply, according to the release.

To apply, download and complete the application forms on the Friends website or contact Paula Smail at psmail@friendsvinp.org or call 340-779-4940.

Friends of Virgin Islands National Park is the official philanthropic partner of Virgin Islands National Park. Since 1988, Friends has been assisting and advising the National Park Service in assuring VINP’s unique terrestrial and marine resources are protected, the Virgin Islands’ cultural treasures in the park are preserved, and visitors and community are connected to the park through volunteerism, education, and advocacy.  For more information visit www.friendsvinp.org.