The Patrick & Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund and Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund begin accepting applications on April 15, 2025

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – April 15, 2025 – St. Croix Foundation for Community Development is pleased to announce the launch of two vital scholarship opportunities aimed at uplifting and investing in the next generation of leaders from St. Croix. Applications for the Patrick & Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund and the Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund are officially open as of April 15, 2025, and will close on June 2, 2025.

Both scholarships are rooted in the Foundation’s commitment to educational equity, youth empowerment, and community transformation.

The Patrick & Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund is designed to assist graduating seniors from St. Croix public high schools by providing scholarships of up to $4,000 to eligible applicants. Established by Junior Gaspard in honor of his grandparents and their perseverance, all applicants will be asked to submit an essay describing a time they met and overcame an obstacle, and a brief video presentation describing their educational and career goals. Applicants must also indicate acceptance to an accredited institute of higher learning and maintain a GPA of 2.0 and higher. 

The Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund will award a minimum of three scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 for 2025 graduates from St. Croix public, private, or parochial schools. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) and maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher while providing proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university. Applicants will also be required to submit an essay that outlines the impact this scholarship will have on their ambitions and how their education will impact St. Croix and the global community, as well as upload a brief video outlining their educational and career goals.

The Patrick & Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund and Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund reflect a shared mission between St. Croix Foundation and the founders of the funds, Crucian Natives Raydiance Wise and Junior Gaspard, to nurture the next generation by enhancing educational opportunities for St. Croix youth. 

Since its establishment in 2022, the Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund has awarded $23,500 in scholarships to 10 young people pursuing degrees in STEM fields. The Patrick & Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund has awarded a total of $95,000 in scholarships to 17 young people since its establishment in 2018. Notably, three recipients from this Fund were supported for the full four years of their undergraduate journey and are today preparing to graduate. And, another partnership with the St. Croix Educational Complex’s 20th Anniversary Reunion Committee inspired a sub-fund that awarded $11,000 to two St. Croix youth. “These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but serve as pathways to long-term impact by investing in the potential of our youth,” said Deanna James, President of St. Croix Foundation. “Through these funds, we are honoring legacy, equity, and a future built by the brilliance and philanthropy within our own community.”

Application Process

Interested graduated seniors can find more details and instructions on how to apply for either or both scholarship opportunities on the Foundation’s website at https://www.stxfoundation.org/grants-scholarships/. All applications will be carefully reviewed by the St. Croix Foundation Grants & Scholarships Review Committee, and applicants will be notified of decisions on June 20, 2025. All scholarship recipients are required to report on their successes and challenges throughout the year to ensure that the funds continue to meet current needs and provide additional support as needed. 

For assistance with the application process, students can contact Lilli Cox at the Foundation at lcox@stxfoundation.org or 340.77.9898.

The St. Croix Foundation extends its gratitude to local Crucians and advisors Junior Gaspard, Anquanette Gasprad, Raydiance Wise, and Alice Lang for supporting these scholarship funds, which are strategically empowering St. Croix youth. For more information about how to support these special funds, please visit www.stxfoundation.org or call 340.773.9898.

About St. Croix Foundation for Community Development

Founded in 1990, St. Croix Foundation is a place-based philanthropic organization committed to holistic community development. As a trusted fiscal sponsor, grantmaker, and community convener, SCF has directed over $50 million in investments into the U.S. Virgin Islands, focusing on community revitalization, nonprofit capacity building, education, economic development, and cultural preservation.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Croix Foundation for Community Development (SCF) is pleased to announce the formal launch of the Healing Humanities Cultural Place-Keeping Grant, made possible through a transformative investment from the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place program. This grant program, totaling $534,000, will fund St. Croix-based nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving arts, culture, heritage, and the natural environment.

Beginning March 21, 2025, eligible nonprofits are invited to apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $75,000, with an average award of $40,000. Funding will support projects that strengthen St. Croix’s cultural landscape, ensuring that local traditions, spaces, and histories remain accessible and relevant across generations.

Grant Program Objectives

The Healing Humanities Cultural Place-Keeping Grant is designed to:

• Support multi-generational projects that promote and preserve arts, culture, heritage, and the natural environment—rooted in St. Croix’s rich history.
• Nourish and embolden St. Croix’s cultural institutions by providing operational support and project-based funding.
• Foster diverse initiatives that elevate community narratives, artistic expression, and cultural sustainability.

Eligibility & Application Process

Nonprofit organizations based on St. Croix or territory-wide organizations providing services on St. Croix are eligible to apply. Applications open March 21, 2025, and must be submitted by April 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM AST.

Key Dates:

• March 25, 2025, 10:00 AM AST – Virtual Information Session #1 (Register Here)
• April 10, 2025, 9:00 AM AST – Virtual Information Session #2 (Register Here)
• April 25, 2025, 11:59 PM AST – Application Deadline
• May 23, 2025 – Award Announcements
• June 1, 2025 – Grant Performance Period Begins

Interested applicants should visit SCF’s Grant Portal to read the full Request for Proposals for all eligibility details and submission guidelines. Questions may be directed to Paloma McGregor, SCF Program Officer [Grantmaking] Humanities & Culture, at grants@stxfoundation.org.

A Commitment to Cultural Place-Keeping

As we launch this grant cycle, we reaffirm our commitment to place-keeping—preserving and celebrating the cultural and historical identity of St. Croix,” said Deanna James, President & CEO of St. Croix Foundation. “With the Mellon Foundation’s support, we are empowering local nonprofits to amplify cultural narratives and mobilize the humanities as a force for healing and transformation in our community.”

SCF invites all eligible nonprofits to apply and encourages community members to spread the word. Together, we will nurture St. Croix’s vibrant cultural legacy and foster lasting impact through the arts.

Apply now! Visit SCF’s website for more details.

About St. Croix Foundation for Community Development

Founded in 1990, St. Croix Foundation is a place-based philanthropic organization committed to holistic community development. As a trusted fiscal sponsor, grantmaker, and community convener, SCF has directed over $50 million in investments into the U.S. Virgin Islands, focusing on community revitalization, nonprofit capacity building, education, economic development, and cultural preservation.

About The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities. Since 1969, the Foundation has been guided by its core belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding. The Foundation believes that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity, and that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence, and freedom that can be found there. Through our grants, we seek to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive. Learn more at mellon.org

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Croix Foundation for Community Development (SCF) is pleased to announce a transformative investment in St. Croix’s rich cultural landscape from the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place program. The $1 Million grant award will support St. Croix Foundation’s Healing Humanities Initiative, a visionary effort that goes beyond traditional regranting and infrastructure development to actively restore, amplify, and mobilize the humanities as a vehicle for healing and social transformation.

The Mellon Foundation’s award will fuel two significant aspects of the Healing Humanities project:

1. A Half-Million Dollar Regranting Program for Local Nonprofits – Over half a million dollars will be awarded to nonprofit organizations engaged in cultural place-keeping, arts, and humanities projects, allowing St. Croix Foundation to deepen our investment in preserving and celebrating our rich Crucian history, traditions and visions. The grant cycle is set to open in March 2025, providing funding opportunities for eligible nonprofits working to strengthen the cultural fabric of our community.
2. The Revitalization of Sunday Market Square & the Alexander Theater – The historic Alexander Theater, a long-dormant community space, is set to become a 22,000+ square-foot performing arts and cultural center, serving as a hub for artistic expression, storytelling, and heritage preservation, while also functioning as a community disaster shelter. The current phase of work is focused on architectural and engineering design, ensuring that the new spaces reflect the unique cultural heritage of St. Croix while addressing community needs. To that end, the Mellon funding will support a portion of the Theater and Acoustic Design, as well as Archival Research, Historic Analysis, Curation of Oral Histories, Community Engagement, and Exhibit Design and Planning for Sunday Market Square’s transformation.

“We are incredibly grateful for the Mellon Foundation’s commitment to supporting our rich Crucian cultural landscape,” said Deanna James, President & CEO of St. Croix Foundation. “This investment is a powerful and timely affirmation of the vital work that St. Croix Foundation and our longstanding partners in the arts, culture, and preservation space are doing to safeguard our community’s history and build a more resilient and inclusive future.”

Nonprofits interested in applying for the upcoming grant cycle should contact Paloma McGregor at pmcgregor@stxfoundation.org for more information.

For updates on the upcoming Healing Humanities grant cycle and the progress of the Sunday Market Square revitalization, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/STXFoundation.

About St. Croix Foundation for Community Development

Founded in 1990, St. Croix Foundation is a place-based philanthropic organization committed to holistic community development. As a trusted fiscal sponsor, grantmaker, and community convener, SCF has directed over $50 million in investments into the U.S. Virgin Islands, focusing on community revitalization, nonprofit capacity building, education, economic development, and cultural preservation.

About the Mellon Foundation

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities. Since 1969, the Foundation has been guided by its core belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding. The Foundation believes that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity, and that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence, and freedom that can be found there. Through our grants, we seek to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive. Learn more at mellon.org.

About Sunday Market Square’s Healing Humanities Initiative

Sunday Market Square holds deep cultural significance. As one of the oldest planned public squares under the U.S. flag, the Square is located in downtown Christiansted and represents a unique history linked to Denmark’s colonization on the island of St. Croix from 1733 to 1917. Serving as a center for trading among enslaved Crucians, the Square was a designated convening space where enslaved Africans and free Blacks were permitted to sell produce, trade goods, connect with loved ones, and socialize in the marketplace on some Sundays – their only day off from forced labor. While it remained a popular gathering spot for residents through the 1900s, after several decades of neglect, coupled with the devastation of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the Square fell into disrepair.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Croix Foundation for Community Development (SCF) released the territory’s 2024 KIDS COUNT USVI Data Spotlight, entitled “Answering the Call: We are the System and the Solution,” on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM AST during a Virtual Community Stakeholder Presentation open to the public. The Data Spotlight was presented to a broad range of community stakeholders along with the territory’s first online KIDS COUNT USVI Data Dashboard.

2024 KIDS COUNT USVI DATA SPOTLIGHT

During the virtual Community Presentation, SCF’s KIDS COUNT Team provided an overview of the 2024 USVI Data Spotlight to Community Stakeholders. This year’s Data Spotlight is a special report on “Opportunity Youth” (youth ages 16-24 who are not in school and/or not employed/training).

The 2024 Spotlight reported several data Hot Spots surrounding local Opportunity Youth.   For example, in 2023 there was a slight increase in the number of violent crime arrests of young people in this age group. There were 258 incidents involving youth ages 18-24, up from 250 in 2022 and 208 in 2021.

In the domain of Education, dropout rates among students in grades 7 through 12 saw a concerning rise, with 140 students dropping out during the 2023-24 school year compared to 107 the previous school year. Ninth-grade retention rates showed improvement, with 146 students retained in 2023-24 versus the 168 9th-graders who were retained in the 2022-23 school year; however, this remains the highest rate among all grades, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to support students at this critical juncture.

A significant Bright Spot continues to be the Virgin Islands’ nonprofit civic sector. For example, the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix provided services to 71 minors in 2023, compared to 65 in 2022, demonstrating their success in scaling programs to serve youth more effectively.

Chermaine Hobson, the KIDS COUNT Team’s Sector Liaison,  eloquently emphasized the critical challenges and opportunities within this age group: “What we realize is that our at-risk population eventually becomes disconnected Opportunity Youth if we don’t provide the effective programs necessary to channel them in the right direction.” “We see what’s happening in our community with crime, violence, and the loss of young lives, and we know we must act,” Hobson noted, also reporting that the average age of incarceration in our community is 23 years old, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention and support for our youth. This underscores the urgent importance of addressing youth challenges early to prevent future incarceration.

The 2024 Data Spotlight (which is structured as an abridged data book) also provides selected data snapshots “At-A-Glance” on the status of U.S. Virgin Islands youth across all ages in the four primary KIDS COUNT® domains: Family and Community, Education, Health, and Economic Well-being. This data can be used to understand where our children are and how they are faring. For example, in the case of children in public housing, 3,166 children were living in public housing in 2023, a slight decline from 3,368 in 2022​. And, interesting upticks, such as those found in Student Enrollment trends, are compelling for both programming and policy considerations: Public school enrollment increased slightly to 10,312 students during the 2023-24 school year, marking the first increase since the 2020-21​ school year.

An electronic copy of the 2024 KIDS COUNT USVI Data Spotlight is available at https://stxfoundation.info/2024KidsCountUSVI. Interested parties may also watch a recording of the Community Presentation at https://stxfoundation.info/2024KidsCountRelease. Additionally, physical copies of the 2024 Data Spotlight may be requested by emailing the Foundation at kidscountusvi@stxfoundation.org or calling 340.773.9898.

KIDS COUNT USVI DATA DASHBOARD

The 2024 KIDS COUNT USVI Team also unveiled the territory’s first online KIDS COUNT USVI Data Dashboard. The  Data Dashboard includes selected data collected from the most current available data sources in the public and civic (nonprofit) sectors throughout the territory.

Reporting on conditions across all ages of childhood, this year’s KIDS COUNT USVI Data Package highlights urgent and consequential issues impacting the well-being of children in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Data Dashboard contains Hot Spots including lower assessment scores for students territory-wide in 8th-grade math. The percentage of 8th grade public school students who were proficient in math for the 2022-2023 school year was just 2.4%, down from an already low 6.1% proficiency the prior year.  Another key Hot Spot was the reported income for children with families in housing communities on St. Croix. For St. Croix households with children living in housing communities, the average income was just $13, 141. This was lower than the $15, 303 reported in 2022 and less than half of the $26,335 reported average income for housing community households with children in the St. Thomas/St. John District.

Amid these challenges, the KIDS COUNT USVI Data Dashboard also highlights encouraging Bright Spots as civic organizations such as My Brother’s Workshop and the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix, along with government agencies like the VI Department of Labor and the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation, continue to expand services and capacity to transform the lives of youth in the Virgin Islands. Many of these organizations are experiencing higher demand for their services. Yet another Bright Spot was reported by the VI Department of Health, which secured funding for the Virgin Islands to conduct the Youth Risk Behavior Survey for the first time since 2018. As the territory’s only comprehensive survey on our children’s mental health, new YRBS data (expected in 2025) will provide an up-to-date accounting of the overall mental health impacts of environmental and health factors including hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

St. Croix Foundation’s KIDS COUNT Data Researcher and designer of the Data Dashboard,  Laurie Blake, was thrilled to share that “The KIDS COUNT team and I worked very hard to bring you a tool that makes accessing and understanding the KIDS COUNT data easier and more actionable than ever. This dashboard consolidates all the relevant data into one user-friendly platform—no more flipping through books or pulling data from multiple sources.”

St. Croix Foundation’s KIDS COUNT USVI Data Dashboard can be accessed by visiting the Foundation’s website at: https://www.stxfoundation.org/kids-count-dashboard/. Questions about the Data Dashboard can be emailed to kidscountusvi@stxfoundation.org.

During the presentation, St. Croix Foundation President and CEO Deanna James underscored the interconnected nature of the Foundation’s work, stating: “Everything is connected to everything. All the work St. Croix Foundation is leading is interconnected; our KIDS COUNT work is connected to our nonprofit capacity-building, which is connected to our downtown revitalization, and to our expanding national network of partners. Prioritizing our children through data, policy, and community action is at the heart of everything we do.” James also highlighted that SCF’s holistic approach aims to create a lasting impact across multiple sectors of the community, ensuring that efforts to uplift children and families are sustainable and far-reaching.

The 2024 KIDS COUNT USVI Community Presentation also highlighted critical “Data Gaps” — data sets that would be invaluable to understanding the challenges facing Virgin Islands youth, yet remain elusive and thus absent from KIDS COUNT USVI publications. The lack of data on Opportunity Youth (ages 16-24) includes: the number of youth committing crimes, experiencing housing insecurity, and participating in the workforce.

A national initiative of the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), KIDS COUNT® has evolved into one of the largest, long-standing data repositories in the United States focused on the status of children and families. A national network of nonprofits, foundations, and consortia from all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, KIDS COUNT is seen as a vital means of providing critical data about child well-being for many federal, state, and local government agencies.

St. Croix Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to the Annie E. Casey Foundation and to its many local and national partners who support this work including the Office of the Governor, the HIVE Fund, Seven Seas Water Group, and GAM Software. Special acknowledgment also goes to the Foundation’s public and civic sector Data Partners for their collaboration and commitment to children and families in the Virgin Islands.  Questions about the KIDS COUNT USVI Initiative should be directed to President Deanna James of St. Croix Foundation at 340.773.9898 or DJames@stxfoundation.org.

 

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Croix Foundation for Community Development (SCF) is pleased to announce the release of the territory’s annual publication, the 2024 KIDS COUNT® USVI Data Spotlight, “Answering the Call: We are the System and the Solution,” on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, at 10:00 AM AST. During the Virtual Community Stakeholder Presentation (via Zoom), the Foundation will also unveil the U.S. Virgin Islands’ first online KIDS COUNT USVI Data Dashboard.

A national initiative of the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), KIDS COUNT® has evolved into one of the largest, long-standing data repositories in the United States focused on the status of children and families. Comprising nonprofits, foundations, and consortia from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, KIDS COUNT is considered vital to providing critical data about child well-being for many federal, state, and local government agencies.

Expanding the scope of its KIDS COUNT USVI Initiative this year, St. Croix Foundation’s KIDS COUNT Team is excited to release a data package that includes: (1) an abridged data book honing in on a targeted youth population, and (2) an online Data Dashboard, which will provide community stakeholders with real-time access to an interactive data tool comprising selected current KIDS COUNT data.

During the virtual presentation on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, SCF’s KIDS COUNT USVI Team will provide an overview of the two data products to Government Partners, Nonprofit Civic Organizations, Policymakers, and Community Stakeholders. The first data product, an abridged 2024 USVI Data Spotlight entitled “Answering the Call: We are the System and the Solution,” centers on an older youth population termed “Opportunity Youth” who are between the ages of 16 to 24 years old. Shining a spotlight on this vulnerable yet vital population, the 2024 KIDS COUNT USVI Data Spotlight is a special report on the conditions of our local opportunity youth that contains data from the most current available sources (including government agencies and nonprofit organizations) throughout the territory. It also highlights critical gaps in local data that present persistent challenges for building a clarified profile of our most at-risk youth populations.

SCF encourages all community members to attend the virtual release including parents, educators, nonprofit organizations, policymakers, and public administrators – all of whom are likely to find the information in this year’s Data Spotlight particularly useful to identify and understand the challenges facing the VI’s opportunity youth population. Through the release of this year’s data package, SCF also seeks to spark ideation around creative and collaborative solutions.

St. Croix Foundation’s KIDS COUNT Team is also excited to unveil a brand new KIDS COUNT USVI Data Product, in the form of an online Data Dashboard. Complementing and building upon the Foundation’s annual data publications, the KIDS COUNT USVI Data Dashboard will provide local stakeholders with interactive ways of working with data that will enable end-users to access and view data on child welfare and development. Utilizing a simple, user-friendly graphic interface, the Data Dashboard will display key data points and metrics in standard KIDS COUNT domains (Family & Community, Economic Well-being, Education, and Health) as well as an additional section on “Community Bright Spots.” Laurie Blake, SCF’s KIDS COUNT USVI Data Researcher and Designer, also offered that, “The data dashboard is an online repository – an all-in-one package consolidating selected public data the KIDS COUNT USVI team has received to date. While this dashboard is focused specifically on data points relevant to the KIDS COUNT USVI Initiative, it is an opportunity for other agencies to not only use the data across diverse sectors but also to use it as a model for their own data sharing.”

According to President and CEO of St. Croix Foundation, Deanna James, “With the release of this year’s KIDS COUNT USVI data products, the Foundation continues to demonstrate our commitment to moving the needle on child well-being in the USVI. Our KIDS COUNT USVI Team is also committed to challenging ourselves to expand and evolve our approach to data collection, data presentation, and advocacy. We urge all community stakeholders- parents, educators, and civic partners to take time out of their busy schedules to attend this important convening.”

Since St. Croix Foundation’s stewardship of KIDS COUNT® began in 2020, the Organization has remained steadfast in its position that while the Territory’s children are facing seemingly intractable challenges, our Community has an inalienable obligation to protect them and to provide every opportunity for them to thrive. According to Foundation President James, “There’s too much at stake, and our territory is simply too small to not get this right.”

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Interested parties should register for the Virtual Presentation at: https://stxfoundation.info/2024KCRegistration. There is no cost to attend.

An electronic copy of the 2024 Data Spotlight will be distributed to all registered participants during the virtual release presentation, and physical copies will be available to interested parties post-release. Access links will also be provided to the new KIDS COUNT USVI Data Dashboard. For additional information or questions about the 2024 KIDS COUNT USVI release, please contact jlawrence@stxfoundation.org.

St. Croix Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to the Annie E. Casey Foundation and to its many local and national partners who support this work including the Office of the Governor, the HIVE Fund, Seven Seas Water Group, and GAM Software. Special acknowledgment also goes to the Foundation’s public and civic sector Data Partners for their collaboration and commitment to children and families in the Virgin Islands. Questions about the KIDS COUNT USVI Initiative should be directed to President Deanna James of St. Croix Foundation at 340.773.9898 or DJames@stxfoundation.org.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Croix Foundation for Community Development is excited to announce that Award Winning Chef Digby Stridiron will return to the U.S. Virgin Islands to serve as this year’s Wine in the Warehouse celebrity chef.  Wine in the Warehouse, one of the St. Croix Food & Wine Experience(FWE)’s most popular events, will be held at Bohlke International Aviation on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6:00-9:00 PM.

A native of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Chef Digby Stridiron grew up around what many today call the “slow food” movement—fresh, locally harvested ingredients and proteins gathered from the sea just steps away. Blending West Indian culinary tradition influenced by the African diaspora and a deep focus on food equality, Digby is ultimately inspired by seasonal ingredients and regional recipes but allows history and culture to guide him.

Always “chasing flavors,” Digby has served as Chef and Patron of award-winning restaurants “balter” & “braata” and is a recipient of high marks from the New York Times, Food & Wine, The Wall St. Journal, Departure, Bon Appetit, Plate, Travel & Leisure, The New Yorker, Coastal Living and many more. His cuisine earned balter a spot on USA Today’s 10 Best Restaurants in the Caribbean and an honorable mention in Carib Journal’s Top 50 Best Restaurants in the Caribbean in 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019.  Also in 2017, Digby was recognized by the Iconoclast List at the James Beard House as one of the Top 5 Chefs of Color in the World.​ Carib Journal has also named Chef Digby as their “2018 Chef of the Year” at the World Travel Awards.

“Chef Digby Stridiron’s return to Wine in the Warehouse is a true celebration of our theme, Rooted in Place. As a native son of St. Croix, Chef Digby’s work embodies the essence of our community’s heritage—honoring the flavors of our land and sea and elevating our culinary traditions to the world stage. His dedication to showcasing locally sourced ingredients and championing food equality not only highlights the importance of what’s right here in our own backyard but also strengthens our sense of identity and connection to this beautiful island we call home.” — Deanna J. James, President, St. Croix Foundation for Community Development

Tickets for the event are $150 per person and are available for purchase now at http://www.stxfoodandwine.com, and make the perfect gift for clients, employees, and loved ones. For parties of 10 or more, please reach out to St. Croix Foundation at 340-773-9898 directly to learn about group discounts.

St. Croix Foundation would like to extend its deepest appreciation to sponsors Bohlke International Aviation, CC1, Crucian Point, 1First Bank, The Buccaneer Resort, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Bank of St. Croix, Marshall & Sterling, the VI Casino Control Commission, VI Lottery, and International Private Bank. SCF also invites additional corporate and individual citizens to become event partners and sponsors. For more information on how to become a sponsor, please contact 340-773-9898 or email lcox@stxfoundation.org.

For information about tickets, events, and sponsorship visit http://www.stxfoodandwine.com or call the St. Croix Foundation office at 340-773-9898.
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About St. Croix Foundation:

Since its founding in 1990 following the devastation of Hurricane Hugo, St. Croix Foundation for Community Development has been a visionary of social change and holistic community development. For three decades the Foundation has been working with community partners to challenge the status quo and directing strategic investments toward its key priority areas including community and economic development, education reform, public safety, and nonprofit development.

Holding the vision of its founders, the Foundation continues to operate as a place-based hybrid foundation, serving as a grantmaker as well as a project manager and direct service provider. One of the most important components of SCF’s work is providing fiduciary and fiscal sponsorship services to over 250 grassroots organizations, and charitable initiatives throughout the Territory. Today, the Foundation has expanded its programmatic portfolio to include providing support to a growing number of St. Croix’s nonprofits through its Nonprofit Consortium, a project that provides capacity building, technical support, and advocacy on the local and national stage. In total, over the past 34 years, the Foundation has been a conduit of more than $49 million private and public sector dollars invested into the U.S. Virgin Islands.

ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I., November 1, 2024 – St. Croix Foundation for Community Development (SCF), in partnership with Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT), the Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition (VIGFC), Crucian Educators, and Culture Bearers, is pleased to invite the St. Croix Community to join them for an unforgettable afternoon of learning and exploring our Virgin Islands history through “Our Living History: An Afternoon with Mario Moorhead,” to be hosted on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the Old Bethlehem Sugar Factor from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

A Community Classroom of Reflection and Learning, this event is open to the public in celebration of Elder Mario Moorhead’s scholarly work. The event will foster an intergenerational learning exchange where Young and Old Virgin Islanders along with educators and community members will create a space for Elder Moorhead to share his extensive knowledge of Virgin Islands History.

The convening will open with the ceremonial blowing of the Conch Shell and will feature live drumming by Walla and Feather, leading into Elder Moorhead’s presentation, which will be moderated by Zuma Nisbett, Richard Muhammed, and Akeem McIntosh, followed by a moderated question-and-answer session designed for respectful engagement and learning.

“Our Living History: An Afternoon with Mario Moorhead” was conceptualized by a small community working group in recognition of the critical role that elders serve in ensuring that vital knowledge around VI History and humanities is shared and transferred. Mario Moorhead’s contributions to our understanding of Virgin Islands History are woven deeply into the cultural fabric of our community. This event reflects the Sankofa spirit of learning from our past to better understand our present and shape our future.

The event is also intentionally timed to coincide with Elder Moorhead’s 85^th birthday and honors him as a native Crucian Son, Scholar, and Culture Bearer. The event will be recorded and produced as a learning resource for academic and cultural purposes. 

Event Registration and Seating

This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Registration is required in advance via https://stxfoundation.info/OralHistoryMarioMoorhead or by calling St. Croix Foundation at 340-773-9898. To ensure comfort, early registrants and invitees will be provided seats, and others are welcome to bring their own seating or stand if needed. All attendees must register in advance of the day, Friday, November 15, 2024, as space is limited.

We strongly encourage parents and guardians of teens and young adults to bring their youth to participate in this unique opportunity to engage directly with Virgin Islands history and heritage. This event promises to foster meaningful intergenerational learning and reflection, offering young people a chance to connect deeply with their cultural roots.

St. Croix Foundation wishes to extend its sincerest appreciation to Mario Moorhead and Mary Moorhead, event discussants Akeem McIntosh, Zuma Nisbett, and Richard Muhammed, as well as the Community Working Group, which includes Ariela Hayes, Chalana Brown, Dr. Chenzira Davis Kahina, Chermaine Hobson, Frandelle Gerard, Sayeeda Carter, Sommer Sibily-Brown and SCF AmeriCorps VISTA Members Kevin Moolenaar and Chevon Miles.

For more information about how to support these special funds, please visit the Foundation online at www.stxfoundation.org or call 340-773-9898.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – In celebration of 34 years of leadership, service, and impact in the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix Foundation for Community Development is excited to announce that tickets go on sale on October 1, 2024, for the return of the St. Croix Food & Wine Experience’s Wine in the Warehouse – SCF’s annual benefit, and a spectacular night of “Food, Fun, and Philanthropy” held at Bohlke International Aviation on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6:00-9:00 PM.

34 Years of Philanthropy Rooted in Place
As the Foundation commemorates 34 years of leadership and service, its mission remains steadfast: to revitalize St. Croix through strategic community development initiatives. Building on decades of transformative community work, from the ongoing restoration of Sunday Market Square to their advocacy and data work with KIDS COUNT USVI, the Foundation’s holistic approach continues to drive social and economic advancement across the Territory.

This year’s Wine in the Warehouse, now in its 17th year, will once again highlight St. Croix’s vibrant culinary culture while serving as the Foundation’s signature fundraising event. The 2024 theme, “Philanthropy Rooted in Place,” embodies the Foundation’s deep commitment to empowering the community through collective action and investment.

An Evening of Impact
More than an event, Wine in the Warehouse is part of a first-rate series (the St. Croix Food & Wine Experience) which has brought together community, corporate partners, and philanthropic supporters to build a brighter future for St. Croix for the past 20 years. With Bohlke International Aviation serving as host for the evening, guests will experience a stunning evening of local flavors, fine wines from around the world from CC1, and live entertainment, all set against the sleek backdrop of a private jet fleet.

St. Croix Foundation President, Deanna James, reflected on the Foundation’s 34-year journey, saying: “As we celebrate our 34th year of service, the Foundation is immensely grateful for the unwavering support we’ve received from our partners and donors over the past 20 years of the St. Croix Food & Wine Experience for this historically sold out event. Their commitment has allowed us to confront some of the most entrenched systemic challenges and create lasting change in the Virgin Islands. Wine in the Warehouse is not just about food and wine; it’s about mobilizing resources to further our mission of philanthropy and holistic community development. As we spearhead some of the most comprehensive initiatives in our history, including  the revitalization of Sunday Market Square, our Kids Count Initiative, and our Nonprofit Consortium, this event enables St. Croix Foundation to raise the funds necessary to focus on the  work ahead.”

Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities
Tickets for Wine in the Warehouse will be available for purchase on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, at www.stxfoodandwine.com. Guests are encouraged to secure their spot quickly as this event typically sells out. Tickets may also be purchased by phoning St. Croix Foundation at 340-773-9898.

The Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to early sponsors Bohlke International Aviation, CC1, and Crucian Point, and invites additional sponsors to join us as event partners. In-kind sponsorships, particularly for the event’s silent auction, are also welcome.

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact 340-773-9898 or email jlawrence@stxfoundation.org.

Celebrating 34 Years of Service
Reflecting on 34 years of community impact, the Foundation highlights key accomplishments that showcase the importance of public-private partnerships in building a resilient St. Croix. Notable initiatives include the revitalization of Christiansted’s Sunday Market Square, the KIDS COUNT USVI data and advocacy initiative, and our role as fiscal sponsor for over 250 local nonprofits. These achievements are only the beginning, and with continued support, we are committed to shaping an even more prosperous and thriving community for years to come.

For ticket, event details, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.stxfoodandwine.com or call the St. Croix Foundation’s office at 340-773-9898.

ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I., August 2024 – St. Croix Foundation for Community Development is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship. A total of $10,000 has been awarded to five exceptionally talented rising first-year university students, all of whom are pursuing degrees in various STEM fields.

The following 2024 Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship recipients received awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 each:

• Sydney Philbert, Purdue University, Plant Genetics
• Ryan Ferdinand, Jr., Villanova University, Biomedical Engineering
• Jahnaiy Rodriguez, Florida A & M University, Physical Therapy
• Amonik Thomas, Howard University, Biology
• Keanna Alphonse, Texas A & M University Commerce, Forensic Accounting

The Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 by native Virgin Islanders Raydiance Wise and Alice Wise and is dedicated to supporting the educational endeavors of young scholars from St. Croix who have demonstrated a strong commitment to STEM disciplines. Each recipient was selected based on academic merit, a clear vision for their future, and a demonstrated passion for making a positive impact in their respective fields and ultimately, giving back to the Virgin Islands and global community.

Virtual Awards Ceremony Highlights

In their own words, the scholarship recipients expressed deep gratitude and a shared commitment to giving back to their community:

• Sydney Philbert: “I really appreciate being awarded this scholarship. It’s very hard to pay for college. It inspires me to keep looking for scholarships to bring down the cost of tuition. Thank you so much.”
• Jahnaiy Rodriguez: “I’m grateful to earn this scholarship. College is expensive and worrisome, but having a helpful hand like what you are doing for us really helps us on our paths of earning our degrees.”
• Ryan Ferdinand, Jr.: “On St. Croix, there is a dire need for advanced medical equipment, where we have to fly off island to receive the care we need. In athletics, there are injuries that ruin careers, and I want to make a positive impact on our community. I think it is admirable that the scholarship committee invests so much time in the youth, and I am thankful that you acknowledge our potential, our future, and invest so much into us.”
• Keanna Alphonse: “Going to high school and really getting to experience the distractions, unclean air, lack of maintenance, and always hearing we have money but never seeing how the money is being used—I decided that when I become a forensic accountant, I need to figure out where this money is going because I want future generations to have better than I have. Also, I want to thank you for being consistent with communications. A lot of scholarship committees don’t really communicate with you well, and it stresses you out. I hope that one day I can be like you, giving back to the youth, because it’s not just about saying what someone can do but empowering them to do it.”

St. Croix Foundation’s Scholarships Review Committee was astounded at the quality of 2024 applicants and was eager to find a way to support each young scholar. As such, SCF awarded a special scholarship through the Ludington Fund to Ms. Leyonna Maria Ravariere, who will be studying Biology at the University of the Virgin Islands this fall.

St. Croix Foundation also wishes to acknowledge the inspiring words of Raydiance Wise, a proud St. Joseph alumni,  engineer and Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund Donor, who shared a powerful message with this year’s recipients: “To whom much is given, much is expected—sometimes we don’t realize how much we are given. We are born in the US, USVI, or grow up in the USVI, and we are given so much unearned privilege, and when I say that, I mean just the fact of where you are, where you grow up. You have the opportunity and access to so much, and there are people who do not. So keep this in mind, keep a certain civic mindfulness, and think of how you can have an impact on our community because, really, this should be a world that works for everybody. We have the opportunity to give a hand up where possible, so keep this in mind.”

St. Croix Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to the Lang-Wise family for their deep engagement, unwavering support and commitment to nurturing the next generation of STEM professionals. Their generosity ensures that a growing number of young scholars have the financial support they need to pursue their dreams and contribute to the global community. SCF urges community members to donate to The Lang-Wise Fund so that together, we can amplify our impact, empowering even more young leaders to achieve their full potential and drive positive change in the world.

For more information about the Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund or to learn how to support similar initiatives, please visit the Foundation online at www.stxfoundation.org or call 340-773-9898.

ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I., July 24, 2024 – St. Croix Foundation is excited to announce that $22,000 in scholarships were awarded to six St. Croix youth on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, during a virtual presentation at St. Croix Foundation (SCF), headquartered in Sunday Market Square. Scholarships were made possible through the Patrick and Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund, the St. Croix Educational Complex 20th Anniversary Reunion Committee Fund, and the Foundation Scholars Fund.

2024 Scholarship Recipients:

Patrick & Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund

• One (1) $4,000 Competitive Scholarship to 2024 Graduate of St. Croix Educational Complex:
  • Jahnaiy Rodriguez, studying Physical Therapy at Florida A & M University
• Three (3) $4,000 Invitation-Only Scholarships to rising seniors:
  • Abigail Valery, studying Music Education at Temple University
  • Sanaa Burke, studying Meteorology at University of Delaware
  • Caliyah Helliger, studying Biology at Howard University

St. Croix Educational Complex (SCEC) 20th Anniversary Reunion Committee Fund

• One (1) $5,000 Competitive Scholarship:
  • Ryan Ferdinand, Jr., studying Biomedical Engineering at Villanova University
• One (1) $1,000 Scholarship for 2023 recipient:
  • Jayden Ferdinand, studying Psychology at Penn State University

Virtual Awards Ceremony Highlights

During the virtual awards ceremony, recipients shared their heartfelt gratitude:

• “I don’t think I would’ve been able to actually make it through college without your support. It means a lot to know that there are people back home outside of my family that actually care and they’re like I’m willing to instill in you, I am willing to invest in you, because I believe you have potential.” – Sanaa Burke
• “Thank you for your support, I couldn’t be able to chase my dreams of earning a doctorate degree in physical therapy without your aid. It not only means a lot to me, it means a lot to my family.” – Jahnaiy Rodriguez
• “A special thank you to the Committee for selecting me as a recipient of this scholarship; it’s a testament to all of my hard work and years of education, and I am extremely honored to receive it. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity.” – Ryan Ferdinand, Jr.
• “You guys are amazing. A blessing to the community, and I don’t know- more needs to go out about what you are doing.” – Mother of Ryan & Jayden Ferdinand

The Patrick and Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund was established by Junior Gaspard in honor of his grandparents, aiming to support youth who have met obstacles but persevere despite challenges. To date, the fund has awarded $84,000 to 15 young people. Junior Gaspard expressed his pride, saying, “We are incredibly proud to support these outstanding students who have demonstrated remarkable perseverance throughout their college journey. Watching them leave St. Croix for a new environment, settle into their lives as college students, and then perform at such a high level academically and socially over the last three years has been truly inspiring.”

The SCEC 20th Anniversary Reunion Committee Fund, established by the SCEC’s 2003 alum, has awarded a total of $11,000 to two young scholars in its two years of operation. Anquanette Gaspard, sister to Junior Gaspard, established the fund to increase support for St. Croix youth and encourage giving back to the next generation.

St. Croix Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to the Gaspard family, the St. Croix Educational Complex 20th Anniversary Reunion Committee, and the Foundation’s Grants & Scholarships Review Committee for their partnership and philanthropic spirit. The Foundation welcomes donations to these funds to support additional students as they pursue their education.

For more information on how to support these special funds or details on the application process for future scholarships, please visit the Foundation online at www.stxfoundation.org or call 340-773-9898.