The Friends of V.I. National Park announced Thursday it is accepting applications for its annual scholarships and internship programs.
“We’re hoping to foster understanding an appreciation for local marine life and the cultural significance of the park,” said Friends program manager Audrey Penn.
The Friends group hopes that from that understanding and appreciation will come the next generation of park rangers, interpreters and marine biologists, Penn said, adding that she herself was a Friends intern who now holds a Friends job.
One scholarship is offered to Virgin Islands residents at the university level who are studying in fields related to marine biology or natural resource management and protection.
Additionally, the Friends group is offering a scholarship for children of national park staff. Priority will be given to students pursuing a degree related to cultural or natural sciences.
Each scholarship amounts to $1,000 per academic year.
Applicants for both scholarships must be Virgin Island residents, have completed high school in the Virgin Islands (or currently in their last semester of their high school senior year), and have attained a B or 3.0 average during their previous three semesters of high school or university.
The deadline for scholarship applications is May 1. Scholarship applications are available at the Friends office in Mongoose Junction shopping center or from all high school guidance councilors.
The Friends internship program runs for eight to 10 weeks during May to August. The actual dates will depend on the intern’s school schedule.
“The internship is a great way to get credit for working for a nonprofit and get hands-on experience,” Penn said.
The main role of the successful applicant will be to assist the Friends in project management and administrative support. This intern will be assigned to several projects and tasks at the beginning of the period and will gain experience in working with a National Park and with an environmental, nonprofit organization.
Candidates for the internship are college students entering their junior or senior years or graduate students with a major in a field related to the environmental sciences or environmental education.
In addition, candidates should have excellent writing and Internet research skills, be self-motivated and strong team players. Interns do not have to be Virgin Islands residents.
The internship is unpaid. However, housing at Maho Bay Camps on St. John and a $250 per week food and transportation stipend is provided.
To apply for the internship, send a resume with cover letter and two references by March 2, 2012 to Summer Internship Program, Friends of V.I. National Park, P.O. Box 811 St. John, VI 00831 or to apenn@friendsvinp.org.
For more information, call Penn at 779-4940.
