(L-to-R) Edward McKenzie, Scott McKenzie and Drew McKenzie, Members of the Edward P. McKenzie Family Trust Scholarship Committee.
Businessman and property developer Edward P. McKenzie on Tuesday announced the availability of a scholarship fund for 2022 graduating high school seniors in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Known as The Edward P. McKenzie Family Trust Scholarship, the scholarship program seeks to provide more funding options for accomplished high school graduates, according to the release.
McKenzie formally launched the scholarship in 2021, alongside his sons, Drew and Scott McKenzie. Together, they are committed to helping make college more accessible to Virgin Islanders through their scholarship fund.
In 2021 they made funding available to 10 Virgin Islands college-bound students from St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix to be used for tuition and costs.
“My sons and I believe that higher education is an important avenue for social and economic advancement. All accomplished students deserve the opportunity to continue their education in college, without finances acting as a barrier,” said Edward McKenzie. “In this small way we hope to make a contribution to that effort."
The release says that the scholarship amount offered will range from $500 to $2,500 and can be used to fund any academic or school-related expenses, which include travel, housing and support while away at school, as well as tuition.
The scholarship is designed for students who:
- Are graduating from high school in the current calendar year;
- Have academic standing placing the applicant in the top 10% of his or her graduating class;
- Have been accepted by, and intend to attend, a college or university located in the continental United States;
- Have a demonstrated history of community service;
- Have extensive involvement in high school and/or civic extra-curricular activities;
- Have a demonstrated need for financial assistance; and
- Show evidence of a passion for improving public conditions of health, society, government, science, art or education.
“We have always been extremely passionate about education and making it more accessible to accomplished students. We hope that our scholarship will bring the financial support they need to pursue their academic goals by attending the university of their choice,” said fellow committee member Drew McKenzie.
“With this small addition to a student’s resources we can aid Virgin Islanders intending to attend college in the mainland and help ease their financial burden,” said Scott McKenzie, a 2017 graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and a graduate of Fordham University in New York City. “We want to help accomplished graduates achieve their educational goals, improve their economic prospects and help their families.”
The scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands, with applications for June graduates due by May 31st. The Trust intends to offer the scholarships annually to future graduates.
June 2022 graduates who would like to apply for The Edward P. McKenzie Family Trust Scholarship should complete the application provided at EdwardPMcKenzieFamilyTrust.com.
