A new scholarship fund, established with a $1 million endowment, now connects Virgin Islands public school students to higher education opportunities at North Carolina State University. The Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship, announced on June 1, 2026, is administered by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands and provides a multi-year award covering the majority of college costs for its recipients.
The fund was created by Rashida A. Hodge, a Microsoft executive and Virgin Islands native, to provide the same kind of access and opportunity that shaped her own career. The first award was presented to Adana Smith, who will now be able to pursue her education without the significant burden of student debt.
The Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship offers full tuition, fees, and housing for up to four years at North Carolina State University. It is open to graduating seniors from the U.S. Virgin Islands public school system who have been accepted to NC State and can demonstrate financial need.
What This Scholarship Offers
This is more than a simple one-time grant. The award is designed to be a comprehensive support system for students throughout their undergraduate careers. It’s a significant investment in each recipient.
The scholarship covers:
- Full Tuition and Fees: The total cost of tuition and all mandatory university fees at North Carolina State University (NC State).
- On-Campus Housing: The cost of university housing for the duration of the award.
- Duration: The scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided the student maintains eligibility.
- Mentorship: As reported by the St. Thomas Source, recipients also gain a valuable mentor in Ms. Hodge, who is committed to guiding them through their university journey.
The total value is estimated to be more than $60,000 per year, making it one of the largest awards available through the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands.
Who Can Apply
Eligibility for the Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship is specific. Before you begin an application, confirm that you meet all the following criteria:
- School System: You must be a graduating senior in the U.S. Virgin Islands public school system.
- Residency: You must have been a resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands for at least three consecutive years.
- University Acceptance: You must be accepted to North Carolina State University as a full-time undergraduate student (taking 12 or more credit hours per semester). You can find admissions information directly on the NC State admissions website.
- Financial Need: You must be able to demonstrate financial need through the application process.
- Academic Standing: To renew the scholarship for up to three additional years, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
What You’ll Need to Prepare
A strong application requires preparation. It’s wise to gather your documents well before the deadline, just as you would for other community-funded scholarships. Start compiling these items now:
- Completed Application & Essays: Give yourself ample time to write thoughtful responses to the essay questions in the portal. Reviewing materials like scholarship past questions and answers can sometimes help you anticipate the types of questions that require deep reflection.
- Official High School Transcript: Request this from your school’s administrative office. This can take a week or more to process, so don’t wait until the last minute.
- Parent/Guardian Tax Return: You will need to submit tax documents to demonstrate financial need.
- Letter of Recommendation (Optional): While not required, a strong letter of recommendation can add up to five points to your application score. Choose a teacher or mentor who knows you well and ask them at least a month in advance.
How to Apply
The application process is managed online through the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. As you work through the steps, it’s always smart to double-check the details and ensure the opportunity is a good fit, asking questions like “Is this college scholarship legit?” is a normal part of the process for any award.
- Access the Portal: Create an account or log in to the CFVI online scholarship portal.
- Complete the Application: Fill out all required sections of the application form for the Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship.
- Upload Documents: Securely upload your transcript, tax returns, and optional letter of recommendation.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Review your entire application for accuracy and submit it before the final deadline. You should receive a confirmation once it’s successfully submitted.
- Prepare for an Interview: Finalists will be invited to participate in a virtual interview with a five-member review committee.
Key Dates
Mark your calendar. Missing a deadline is the easiest way to be disqualified.
- Applications Open: January 15, 2026
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
- Finalist Interviews: April 21–24, 2026
- Results Notification: May 1–4, 2026
- Public Announcement: May 11–15, 2026
- Proof of Enrollment Due: July 31, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship only for students attending North Carolina State University?
Yes. A core requirement of this specific scholarship is acceptance and enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student at North Carolina State University. The fund was established to create a direct pipeline for Virgin Islands students to the institution that Ms. Hodge attended.
Do I need to declare a specific major to be eligible?
The eligibility criteria provided by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands do not specify a required field of study. Applicants who meet the other requirements (public school senior, VI resident, accepted to NC State, etc.) are encouraged to apply regardless of their intended major.
What happens if my GPA drops below 3.0 during a semester?
The scholarship requires recipients to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA for renewal each year. While policies can vary, scholarship programs often have a probationary period or appeal process. If you are awarded the scholarship, you should clarify the specific academic standing policies with the CFVI administrators.