Scholarship Application Window Open

PRESS RELEASE | Friends of Virgin Islands National Park is happy to announce that it is now accepting applications for the 2026/27 academic year for its two undergraduate scholarship programs: the Jeffrey Matheny Scholarship and the Noble Samuel Scholarship and Internship. The annual scholarship awards $5,000 per academic year, disbursed at a rate of $2,500 per semester.

Both scholarships are open to St. John and St. Thomas youth, who are currently high school seniors or undergraduates. Applications must be received by Friday, March 13, 2026.

“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to support young Virgin Islanders as they pursue their dreams,” says Tonia Lovejoy, Executive Director, Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. “We are committed to building a pipeline of education opportunities including our School Kids In The Park, Learn To Swim and Summer Trail Crew programs—and internships and scholarships like these.” 

The two scholarship programs that the Friends manages are:

• The Noble Samuel Scholarship and Internship was created in 2021 and is inspired by Park Ranger, Noble Samuel. The scholarship reflects the values embodied by Noble Samuel and supports students who demonstrate a commitment to community, stewardship, and sustainability of the territory. The Noble Samuel Scholarship is awarded to a St. John or St. Thomas student who is attending or entering an accredited college or university with a declared or intended major in a field that contributes to the environmental, social, or economic well-being of the Virgin Islands. 2025/26 recipients of this scholarship, which is inclusive of a paid internship, are Kaj Gerard (University of Virgin Islands), Valorie Gore (University of South Carolina), and Maxim McMahon (University of Virgin Islands).

• The Jeffery Matheny Scholarship was established in 2010 by his family in recognition of Jeffery’s love of St John and is awarded to a St. John or St. Thomas student who is attending or entering an accredited college or university with a declared or intended major in a field related to the protection and management of natural resources in the Virgin Islands. Current recipients of this scholarship for the 2025/26 academic year are Una Alexander (Howard University), Lindsay Barr (Colorado State University), Dennis Bigrigg (University of Virgin Islands), Justin Richards (University of Virgin Islands), and Lyric Vacharat (University of North Carolina Wilmington).

More information and application forms can be found on our website.