St. Croix Foundation for Community Development is pleased to announce the launch of two vital scholarship opportunities aimed at uplifting and investing in the next generation of leaders from St. Croix. Applications for the Patrick & Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund and the Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund are officially open as of April 15, 2025, and will close on June 2, 2025.
Both scholarships are rooted in the Foundation’s commitment to educational equity, youth empowerment, and community transformation.
The Patrick & Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund is designed to assist graduating seniors from St. Croix public high schools by providing scholarships of up to $4,000 to eligible applicants. Established by Junior Gaspard in honor of his grandparents and their perseverance, all applicants will be asked to submit an essay describing a time they met and overcame an obstacle, and a brief video presentation describing their educational and career goals. Applicants must also indicate acceptance to an accredited institute of higher learning and maintain a GPA of 2.0 and higher.
The Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund will award a minimum of three scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 for 2025 graduates from St. Croix public, private, or parochial schools. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) and maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher while providing proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university. Applicants will also be required to submit an essay that outlines the impact this scholarship will have on their ambitions and how their education will impact St. Croix and the global community, as well as upload a brief video outlining their educational and career goals.
The Patrick & Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund and Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund reflect a shared mission between St. Croix Foundation and the founders of the funds, Crucian Natives Raydiance Wise and Junior Gaspard, to nurture the next generation by enhancing educational opportunities for St. Croix youth.
Since its establishment in 2022, the Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund has awarded $23,500 in scholarships to 10 young people pursuing degrees in STEM fields. The Patrick & Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund has awarded a total of $95,000 in scholarships to 17 young people since its establishment in 2018. Notably, three recipients from this Fund were supported for the full four years of their undergraduate journey and are today preparing to graduate. And, another partnership with the St. Croix Educational Complex’s 20th Anniversary Reunion Committee inspired a sub-fund that awarded $11,000 to two St. Croix youth. “These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but serve as pathways to long-term impact by investing in the potential of our youth,” said Deanna James, President of St. Croix Foundation. “Through these funds, we are honoring legacy, equity, and a future built by the brilliance and philanthropy within our own community.”
Application Process
Interested graduated seniors can find more details and instructions on how to apply for either or both scholarship opportunities on the Foundation’s website at https://www.stxfoundation.org/grants-scholarships/. All applications will be carefully reviewed by the St. Croix Foundation Grants & Scholarships Review Committee, and applicants will be notified of decisions on June 20, 2025. All scholarship recipients are required to report on their successes and challenges throughout the year to ensure that the funds continue to meet current needs and provide additional support as needed.
For assistance with the application process, students can contact Lilli Cox at the Foundation at lcox@stxfoundation.org or 340.77.9898.
The St. Croix Foundation extends its gratitude to local Crucians and advisors Junior Gaspard, Anquanette Gasprad, Raydiance Wise, and Alice Lang for supporting these scholarship funds, which are strategically empowering St. Croix youth. For more information about how to support these special funds, please visit www.stxfoundation.org or call 340.773.9898.
