April 10, 2009 — The deadline for V.I. residents working on advanced degrees who want to apply for V.I. Academic and Cultural Awards Endowment Scholarships is coming up soon, April 30.
The scholarships are available to students studying for doctoral or other advanced degrees beyond a master's as well as those in law and medical schools.
Funding is also available for local residents conducting research and projects designed to promote cultural awareness in the territory. In both cases, recipients may receive up to $10,000 per year.
The Academic and Cultural Awards Endowment Scholarship was created by the Legislature in 1970 and is administered through the University of the Virgin Islands.
According to Adrina Scott-Elliott, who directs the program at UVI, the Legislature appropriates $250,000 every year for the scholarships.
Scott-Elliott said applicants must be residents for a total of 10 years. They must have lived the last five in the Virgin Islands.
"And they have to sign a commitment to return to the territory on the completion of their studies," Scott-Elliott said.
However, they may work in either the public or private sector as long as it is in the territory. They must work in the territory for two years for every one year of scholarship.
Applicants also need two letters of recommendation and proof of admission.
An average of 18 students per year have benefited from the scholarship over the past five years, Scott-Elliott said.
The application deadline is April 30. Applications are available on St. Croix and St. Thomas at UVI, the Board of Education and Superior Court.
Applications may also be downloaded from the Financial Aid section of the UVI website.
For more information and eligibility requirements, contact Scott-Elliott at 693-1040.
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
