The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for the 2026 Alva C. McFarlane Scholarship Program, providing a unique opportunity to support and build careers in engineering across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
As the largest monetary high school scholarship program in the territory, the Alva C. McFarlane Scholarship has long supported students pursuing degrees in engineering and related technical fields. Historically offered to graduating high school seniors and college freshmen and sophomores, the program has now, for the first time, expanded to include students seeking a master’s degree in engineering — offering even greater opportunities for advanced study and professional growth for Virgin Islanders.
The Alva C. McFarlane Scholarship Program offers opportunities in three (3) categories:
Bachelor’s Degree – up to $80,000
• Graduating high school seniors
• College freshmen and sophomores, including UVI students enrolled or planning to enroll in the five-year engineering program
Associate’s/Technical Degree – up to $30,000
• Graduating high school seniors planning to pursue an associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering, or a related field, or
• Individuals planning to attend trade school or pursue certification in a technical field
Master’s Degree – up to $60,000
• Students enrolled in an accredited graduate engineering program, or
• Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited engineering college or university
• Period of scholarship: maximum three (3) years
Scholarships in each category are offered per district.
To be considered, applicants must be U.S. citizens and Virgin Islands residents with no criminal record. Selection criteria include academic achievement, standardized test scores, community involvement, and performance in a panel interview. Eligible costs include tuition, room and board, books, fees, and supplies.
The Alva C. McFarlane Scholarship Program was created to invest in the territory’s future by equipping young engineers to help enhance the Virgin Islands’ energy infrastructure. Over the years, the program has empowered local students to pursue higher education and return to serve their community through the modernization of the territory’s energy systems at WAPA.
Alva C. McFarlane, who was instrumental in developing the scholarship, dedicated his career to supporting the Virgin Islands’ youth as Director of Apprenticeship and Training at the V.I. Department of Labor, leaving a lasting legacy of opportunity and community development.
The Authority encourages all aspiring engineers to apply today at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/viwapa/promotionaljobs
All inquiries should be directed to careers@viwapa.vi.
