Jeffrey Matheny Scholarship

Jeffrey Matheny loved St. John and the healing powers of Virgin Islands National Park. In his honor, Friends of Virgin Islands National Park sponsors a scholarship program to encourage higher education among Virgin Islanders with an interest in the cultural and environmental well-being of the Virgin Islands. This scholarship is for local youth who demonstrate passion and dedication toward environmental protection, emblematic of Jeffrey Matheny. 

The Jeffrey Matheny Scholarship is awarded to a St. John or St. Thomas student who is attending or entering an accredited college or university. Applicants must have a declared or intended major in a field related to the protection and management of natural resources in the Virgin Islands. Eligible fields include environmental science, marine biology, resource management, or other areas that contribute to the protection, preservation, and sustainability of the Virgin Islands. The annual scholarship awards $5,000 per academic year, disbursed at a rate of $2,500 per semester.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must: 

• Be a St. John or St. Thomas resident, and have completed high school in the U.S. Virgin Islands (or be currently in the final semester of senior year).
• Have attained a minimum 3.0 (“B”) average during their most recent three semesters of high school and/or college (whichever is applicable).
• Plan to major in a field related to natural or cultural resource protections. 
• Submit two letters of recommendation, including one from a teacher, educator, or school counselor.

If you have any questions about the scholarship, please contact Ki'Janne Alfred at kalfred@friendsvinp.org or call (340) 779-4940