March 4, 2003 — The time of year to garner scholarships has rolled around, and The Source is compiling as a service to readers information about applying. Check back frequently, as this file will be continuously updated.
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM SCHOLARSHIP
Who may apply: To be eligible to apply, a student must be the child, step-child or legal dependent of a contributing member of Government Employees Retirement System (GERS) and be a graduating senior of a high school in the territory who is enrolled full-time in a program leading to the award of a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university.
Additional requirements: Grade point average of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Financial need.
Deadline: Postmarked by April 11, 2003
Geographic: all Virgin Islands
Scope of award: Up to three scholarships may be awarded. The scholarships provide tuition support for four years.
Applications are available at:
— St. Croix: GERS Complex #3005 Orange Grove, Lot 5, Christiansted, St. Croix 00820-4313.
— St. Thomas: GERS Complex 3rd floor Veterans Drive, St. Thomas 00802
— By telephone: 774-6031, Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands
Contact: 774-6031, Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, the agency responsible for administering the GERS scholarship.
ROBERT C. BYRD SCHOLARSHIP
Who may apply: Graduating seniors of public, private and parochial schools and students who have successfully completed a GED program. Applicant must have been accepted into a college or university and plan to be a full-time student.
Additional requirements: A cumulative average of "C" or better.
Deadline: 5 p.m. July 30, 2003
Geographic: St. Thomas/St. John District
Scope of award: Five four-year scholarships of $1,500 per year will be awarded. The scholarship can be renewed for a maximum of eight university or college semesters upon submission of required evidence showing maintenance of eligibility.
Applications are available at: the Office of the Commissioner of the Education Department, the Curriculum Center in Anna's Retreat and at various high schools on St. Thomas.
Contact: 775-2250 Ext. 229, Patricia Nathan, acting district director for curriculum, assessment and technology. The V.I. Education Department administers this program in compliance with section 419 E of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
FRIENDS OF THE V.I. NATIONAL PARK SCHOLARSHIPSWho may apply: College students who are going into their junior or senior year at an accredited college or university and who are graduates of a high school in the Virgin Islands. Applicants must be pursuing careers in natural resources management or protection and majoring in fields such as marine biology, botany, ecology or forestry.
Additional requirements: Applicants must hold a B or 3.0 average through the first three semesters of college for sophomores, through the first five semesters for juniors. They must have completed all prerequisite coursework for majors in appropriate fields.
Deadline: March 31, 2003
Geographic: all Virgin Islands
Scope of award: Two scholarships of $1,000 each, disbursed as $500 per semester.
Applications are available at:
— Write to Friends of the V.I. National Park, P. O. Box 811, Cruz Bay, St. John, V.I. 00831.
— Pick up at the University of the Virgin Islands Financial Aid Office.
Contact: 779-4940, Kim Lyons, Friends development director.
Special notes:
— Recipients will be offered the chance to serve as interns with the Friends during the summer before their junior or senior year.
— Although this scholarship was formerly limited to Virgin Islands students at UVI, it is now open to Virgin Islands students at any approved college.
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