Patrick & Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund

Geographic Scope: St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Funder: St. Croix Foundation for Community Development (in partnership with Junior Gaspard and the Gaspard family)

Overview:
The Patrick and Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund was established in 2018 by Junior Gaspard, a native of St. Croix and graduate of Central High School and John H. Woodson Junior High School, to honor his grandparents, Patrick and Amelia Williams. The scholarship aims to provide opportunities for St. Croix students to pursue their career goals through colleges or universities, supporting youth who have overcome obstacles and demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity.

Purpose:
The Fund honors the hard work, determination, and resilience of Patrick and Amelia Williams and provides opportunities to youth who have met obstacles but persevered despite these challenges and see educational pursuits as a means to achieving personal and professional success.

Award Details:

• Maximum Award: Up to $5,000 per scholarship
• Number of Awards: Up to 2 scholarships per year
• Additional Support: Mini-grants provided to prior year recipients as continued support for their studies

Eligibility Requirements:

• Graduates from a St. Croix public high school
• Must have attended a St. Croix public junior high school
• Current residents of St. Croix
• Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Provide proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university
• Demonstrate financial need

Selection Criteria:
Applications are reviewed on the basis of:

• Residency
• School attendance
• GPA (2.0 or higher)
• Personal essays demonstrating the reality of socioeconomic challenges
• Involvement in meaningful community service
• Participation in extra-curricular activities
• Overall demonstrated resilience and perseverance

Program History:
As of July 2019, the Fund had awarded over $38,000 in scholarships to multiple St. Croix students pursuing degrees in fields including nursing, engineering, criminal justice, culinary arts, and visual arts.

Recipient Reporting Requirements:
All scholarship recipients are required to submit regular reports to the Foundation on their academic progress, successes, and challenges throughout the year.

Contact Information:

• Phone: 340-773-9898
• Email: lcox@stxfoundation.org or staff@stxfoundation.org
• Address: 1023 Market Street, Christiansted, VI 00820; PO BOX 1128, Christiansted, VI 00821
• Website: stxfoundation.org

Application Process

Submission Methods:
Applicants may submit via:

• Online application portal at www.stxfoundation.org
• Email to lcox@stxfoundation.org
• Mail/hand delivery to St. Croix Foundation's office at 1023 Market Street, Christiansted, VI 00820
• Mailing address: PO BOX 1128, Christiansted, VI 00821

Required Documents:

1. Completed application form
2. Proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university
3. Official transcript showing GPA of 2.0 or higher
4. Personal essay addressing:
   • Challenges faced and how you overcame them
   • Your socioeconomic situation and obstacles
   • Your educational and career goals
   • How the scholarship will help you achieve your goals
   • Your involvement in community service or extra-curricular activities
5. Contact information and residency verification

Application Deadlines (typically):

• Applications due by May 10 or May 15 (varies by cycle)
• Decisions announced by June 1 or June 15
• Hard-copy applications must be postmarked by the deadline date

Selection Process:

• All applications reviewed by the St. Croix Foundation Grants Review Committee
• Review based on eligibility, academic performance, financial need, and demonstrated resilience
• Priority given to students involved in meaningful community service and extra-curricular activities

For More Information or Assistance:
If challenges or questions arise regarding completing the application or obtaining required documents, staff is available to assist at lcox@stxfoundation.org or 340-773-9898.