St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – From February 12–14, 2026, St. Croix Foundation for Community Development will host its Eighth Annual Philanthropy Retreat, “Falling into Formation: A Blueprint for Coherence in Philanthropy,” convening funders, nonprofit leaders, and systems thinkers from across the country and territory for a transformative three-day experience rooted in equity, coherence, and community ownership.

As a vehicle for engaging national and regional philanthropic leaders while exposing them to the unique realities of the U.S. Caribbean, St. Croix Foundation’s (SCF) 3-day retreat will host guests across a diverse philanthropic landscape from the Foundation for the Mid-South (Mississippi-based Funder) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (National Funder) to Grantmakers for Southern Progress, One Eleuthera Foundation (Bahamian Funder), and Global Giving (Global Funder). 

The invitation-only convening will connect National and Regional Senior Philanthropy Executives with the Board and Staff of the Foundation’s Nonprofit Consortium, a 9-year-old coalition of approximately 30 St. Croix-based Nonprofits.  During the retreat, members of St. Croix Foundation’s Nonprofit Consortium, Helping Ordinary People Everyday (HOPE), VI Good Food, Per Ankh, and the Virgin Islands Architecture Center for Built Heritage and Crafts, Inc., will lead a panel focused on collective impact, with additional local nonprofit partners hosting island tours, site visits, and an opening reception dinner.

A Living Case Study in Place-Based Philanthropy

“This retreat represents a curated space wherein the Foundation has sought to lead a conversation about the power of philanthropy and place-based civic wisdom to reimagine and repair communities,” said Deanna James, President of St. Croix Foundation. 

James continued, “After assuming the helm of the Foundation in 2015, we almost immediately lost the majority of our local donors. The Retreat was my brainchild, conceptualized back in 2017, in order to fill a growing funding gap while also fostering new national philanthropy relationships and champions committed to advocating for deeper philanthropic investment into the territory. Over the past 9 years, the retreat has exceeded our expectations, diversifying our funding streams; marshaling philanthropic resources to our local nonprofits; and expanding the Foundation’s national and regional philanthropic network from under 5 in 2017 to over 200 in 2025.” 

To date, the national partnerships being nurtured through the Foundation’s Annual Philanthropy Retreat have generated over $5,000,000 in funding for St. Croix nonprofits, and the Foundation has also connected local nonprofits to relevant intellectual brain-trusts and funding networks in targeted ‘sectors’ including arts & culture; the environs; health & human services; and youth & education. Noteworthy partnerships include the HIVE Fund, Global Giving, and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. In addition to the networks and resources that result from this yearly gathering, the Philanthropy Retreat is one of many convenings throughout the year in which SCF introduces national and international field experts to St. Croix. From 2023-2025, SCF has hosted 320+ national partners on St. Croix, creating over half a million dollars of revenue for the territory’s hotel and tourism industry (not including ground transportation, dining, shopping, or excursions). Strategies such as this allow SCF to advocate for the U.S. Virgin Islands while also presenting unique opportunities for the islands to serve as models of innovation and Philanthropic Tourism.

St. Croix Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to its local, national, regional, and international partners (new and veteran) who have made this convening possible. For more information on the Foundation’s 8th Annual Philanthropy Retreat or how to support the Foundation’s efforts, please call the Foundation’s office at 340.773.9898 or visit their website at www.stxfoundation.org. 

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Croix Foundation for Community Development (SCF) released the 2025 KIDS COUNT® USVI Data Book, “When Data Speaks: The Voices of Our Children,” and KIDS COUNT Data Dashboard during a Virtual Community Stakeholder Presentation held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM AST.

KIDS COUNT®, a national initiative of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, is one of the country’s most trusted sources for tracking child and family well-being. The USVI Data Book provides the territory’s most comprehensive snapshot of how children are faring across six domains:  Education, Economic Well-being, Family and Community, Health, Opportunity Youth, and Community Bright Spots.

Youth Voices Take Center Stage

This year’s publication centers ten (10) children’s lived experiences and includes direct statements, reflections, and insights from young people across the territory.

During the virtual release, SCF briefed government partners, nonprofit organizations, educators, policymakers, and community members, who also heard directly from youth contributor Yosairy Rodriguez-Sanchez, a student at Gifft Hill School on St. John, who offered a powerful firsthand account of how economic disparities shape the lives and futures of young people in the Virgin Islands. She spoke of wage gaps that push youth to leave the territory, the need for better-paying jobs and career pathways, and how poverty limits access to educational and developmental opportunities. Drawing from personal experiences—including watching a friend fall behind academically due to financial hardship—she urged leaders to raise wages, expand workforce training, and strengthen family support so young people can envision stable, meaningful futures at home.

Data Highlights and Bright Spots

Dr. Saul Santiago, Data Analyst and Principal Investigator for KIDS COUNT USVI, reported on selected data points from this year’s Data Book, including the encouraging statistics that public high school graduation rates continue to rise, reaching 81% in 2023–24, up from 70.9% just four years earlier. He noted that this progress is unfolding alongside persistent economic disparities, with community housing residents reporting incomes in St. Croix between $12,721 and $14,435, compared to $24,096–$24,315 in St. Thomas/St. John. Public housing program participation experienced changes as well, with 3,852 residents in community housing and 4,935 using Housing Choice Vouchers, highlighting a sharp increase in the number of residents receiving vouchers for housing assistance rather than living in community housing. 

Dr. Santiago also underscored demographic trends, including a 50% drop in the child population from 2000 to 2020, and a steady decline in the territory’s fertility rate, which dropped from 2.11 in 2015 to 1.98 in 2023. This decline, as Dr. Santiago stated, will impact the USVI’s dependency ratio, which measures the number of elderly and children that the workforce will have to support. A diminished population will lead to fewer workers and a higher dependency ratio. Additional details on the dependency ratio and its implications are outlined in the 2025 KIDS COUNT USVI Data Book. 

Lived Experience: Understanding Opportunity Youth

Ms. Chermaine Hobson, KIDS COUNT Sector Liaison, shared a powerful moment illustrating the importance of naming and understanding the experiences of Opportunity Youth (young people ages 16-24 who are not in school and not working). She recounted meeting a young man working at her home who noticed the KIDS COUNT USVI Data Book on her table. After reading through the report, he told her he had never known there was a term that described his own journey—Opportunity Youth. After experiencing a disruption in his family life and living situation, he dropped out of school at age 17. Today, he is a tradesman working directly with young people facing similar challenges, using his lived experience to connect, mentor, and help guide them forward. This story highlights not only the possibility for reconnection and restoration but also the transformational potential of having role models and mentors to support the next generation. 

KIDS COUNT USVI Data Dashboard

Complementing this year’s Data Book is the free, public KIDS COUNT USVI Data Dashboard (https://www.stxfoundation.org/kids-count-dashboard/), an interactive, user-friendly online platform that was launched last year and significantly expanded in 2025. The Dashboard now includes additional indicators and metrics across all KIDS COUNT domains. In Education, users can view updated Proficient/Advanced rates for 4th and 8th grades, including a new district comparison feature. In Family & Community, indicators have been consolidated and enhanced with age-group graphics and Tableau tooltips, illustrating additional details for indicators like public housing and voucher participation. The Health domain has also been streamlined so that all indicators appear on a single page. Together, these enhancements further strengthen the Dashboard as a valuable resource for the public, including agencies, organizations, and policymakers who are seeking data-informed decision-making and new models for data sharing and collaboration.

A Call for Shared Responsibility

“As we reflect on this year’s Data Book, it is vital to recognize that solutions to the challenges facing our children and families are a shared responsibility,” said Deanna James, President and CEO of St. Croix Foundation. “By intentionally placing children’s voices at the center, we are reminded of what is at stake, and why we must work together to ensure every child in the Virgin Islands has the opportunity to thrive.”

Access the 2025 Data Book

To review a copy of the Data Book, visit the SCF website or contact the Foundation to request a hard copy:

• Website: https://stxfoundation.info/2025KidsCountDataBook
• Phone: 340-773-9898
• Email: kidscountusvi@stxfoundation.org

St. Croix Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Casey Family Programs, and the HIVE Fund and acknowledges its public and civic sector Data Partners for their continued collaboration and commitment to children and families in the Virgin Islands.

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ABOUT ST. CROIX FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Established in 1990, St. Croix Foundation has served as a conduit for over 50 million dollars in funding for community-based projects throughout the Virgin Islands. With an incomparable track record of successful community development initiatives and national recognition for its work in education reform, small business development, and public-private partnerships, the Foundation has also received international acknowledgment for its community revitalization initiatives and, today, continues directing its focus on holistic community building and development, policy research and data collection, and the broad-based support of nonprofits, including fiscal sponsorship, grantmaking, and the Nonprofit Consortium.

ABOUT THE ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION

The Annie E. Casey Foundation creates a brighter future for the nation’s young people by developing solutions to strengthen families, build paths to economic opportunity, and transform struggling communities into safer and healthier places to live, work, and grow. For more information, visit www.aecf.org. KIDS COUNT® is a registered trademark of the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – Tickets are selling quickly for Wine in the Warehouse 2025, the island’s most anticipated culinary and philanthropic celebration hosted by the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development, happening Friday, December 5, 2025, from 6 PM – 9 PM at Bohlke International Aviation. Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Treat someone special to an unforgettable evening of wine, culture, and community—Philanthropy Rooted in Place.

 General admission tickets are available now at www.stxfoodandwine.com. For those seeking an elevated experience, a limited number of VIP Tasting Experience tickets are available exclusively through the St. Croix Foundation’s office. This premium experience grants early entry to the event—beginning at 5:15 PM—plus a private meet-and-greet with Food Network star Chef Eric Adjepong, a signed cookbook, a craft cocktail, and two chef-prepared bites. To secure your VIP experience, please call 340-773-9898 and pick up physical tickets directly from the St. Croix Foundation office. These tickets will not be sold online and are almost sold out!

This year’s theme, The Spirit of Philanthropy: Rooted in Place, reflects the heart of St. Croix — its culture, resilience, and community spirit. Guests will experience 45+ curated wines from CC1, gourmet dishes from St. Croix’s leading chefs, and a special culinary journey guided by Chef Eric Adjepong, Top Chef finalist and Food Network host. Chef Eric recently opened his acclaimed Washington, D.C. restaurant Elmina and released his debut cookbook Ghana to the World, bridging West African and Caribbean flavors in a celebration of shared heritage.

For the first time, culinary students from Central and Complex High Schools will work alongside Chef Eric in the kitchen, gaining professional experience and showcasing the island’s next generation of culinary talent.

More than a night of fine food and wine, Wine in the Warehouse is St. Croix Foundation’s only annual fundraiser, sustaining transformative work in community and economic development, nonprofit capacity building, and data collection. Every ticket sold directly supports programs that strengthen the Virgin Islands and ensure a more resilient, equitable future for the people of St. Croix.

This year’s event is proudly sponsored by CC1, Bohlke International Aviation, Cost-U-Less, Lavsinja, Bank of St. Croix, Diageo USVI, The Buccaneer, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Marshall + Sterling, TEAM Consultants, Banco Popular, Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission, First Bank, and J. Benton Construction.

Raise your glass to The Spirit of Philanthropy: Rooted in Place — and join us for a night where giving back takes flight.

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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 direct 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 $50 million private and public sector dollars invested into the U.S. Virgin Islands.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Croix Foundation for Community Development (SCF) is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the territory’s annual publication, the 2025 KIDS COUNT® USVI Data Book, “When Data Speaks: The Voice of Our Children,” on November 19th, 2025, at 10:00 AM AST during a Virtual Community Stakeholder Presentation via Zoom.

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.

During the virtual presentation on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, SCF’s KIDS COUNT USVI Team will provide an overview of this year’s data package to Government Partners, Nonprofit Civic Organizations, Policymakers, and Community Stakeholders. The first data product, the territory’s 2025 KIDS COUNT USVI Data Book entitled “When Data Speaks: The Voice of Our Children,” reports data in six domains: Education, Economic Well-being, Family and Community, Health, Opportunity Youth (16-24 year olds), and Community Bright Spots. 

Shining a spotlight on the data as representative of our children’s voices, the 2025 KIDS COUNT USVI Data Book is a comprehensive report that contains data from the most current available sources (including government agencies and nonprofit organizations) throughout the territory. This year’s Data Book will also incorporate responses from young people throughout the territory, describing their unique perspectives in their own voices.

SCF encourages all community members to attend the virtual release, including parents, educators, nonprofit organizations, policymakers, public administrators, and media – all of whom are likely to find the information in this year’s Data Book 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. 

Building off the 2024 release of the territory’s first KIDS COUNT USVI Data Dashboard (https://www.stxfoundation.org/kids-count-dashboard/), St. Croix Foundation’s KIDS COUNT Team will also provide local stakeholders with updates on the data available in this free, public, online database. Utilizing a simple, user-friendly graphic interface, the Data Dashboard has been expanded with additional key data points and metrics in all KIDS COUNT USVI domains. While this dashboard is focused specifically on data points relevant to the KIDS COUNT USVI Initiative, it is an opportunity for other agencies to use the data across diverse sectors and to use it as a model for their own data sharing. 

According to the President and CEO of St. Croix Foundation, Deanna James, “As we reflect on the release of this year’s KIDS COUNT USVI Data Book, it is vital to recognize that solutions to the challenges facing our children and families are a shared responsibility. Every person and organization in our community has a role to play and a stake in their well-being. At the heart of our work lies our children—our future—and it is essential that we listen to their voices, elevate their perspectives, and ensure that their experiences guide our efforts. By intentionally placing children’s voices at the center of our work, we are reminded of what is truly at stake and why we must come together to create meaningful, lasting change for every child in the Virgin Islands.” 

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.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Interested parties should register for the Virtual Presentation at:https://stxfoundation.info/2025KidsCountRegistration. There is no cost to attend.  

An electronic copy of the 2025 Data Book will be distributed to all registered participants during the virtual release presentation and will later be accessible via St. Croix Foundation’s website (www.stxfoundation.org). Physical copies will be available to interested parties post-release. For additional information or questions about the 2025 KIDS COUNT USVI release, please contact jlawrence@stxfoundation.org.

St. Croix Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. 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.

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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 direct 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 $50 million private and public sector dollars invested into the U.S. Virgin Islands.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Croix Foundation is thrilled to announce that tickets are officially on sale for Wine in the Warehouse 2025, returning on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the stunning Bohlke International Aviation Hangar. This year promises to be the most exciting yet, with the addition of celebrity chef Eric Adjepong, Food Network host and Top Chef alum, who will headline the culinary experience.

2025 marks Wine in the Warehouse’s 18th year of bringing together community, corporate partners, and philanthropic supporters to build a brighter future for St. Croix. With Bohlke International Aviation serving as host for the evening, guests will experience a stunning evening of local flavors, over 45 curated wines from CC1, a silent auction, and live entertainment, all set against the sleek backdrop of a private jet fleet. For the first time, Wine in the Warehouse will also feature both St. Croix Central and Complex High School culinary programs, offering students the opportunity to learn directly from Chef Eric in the kitchen and showcase their talent for over 500 guests. 

More than just a culinary event, Wine in the Warehouse is the Foundation’s only annual fundraiser, fueling programs that strengthen St. Croix year-round: from revitalizing downtown Christiansted and restoring the historic Alexander Theatre, to awarding youth scholarships and advancing data-driven policy through KIDS COUNT  USVI.

Rooted in Place

Known as the “Tree of Life,” the baobab stands tall across Africa and the Caribbean as a symbol of strength, nourishment, and resilience. Its deep roots anchor communities, while its wide branches and fruit sustain generations. At St. Croix Foundation, we see ourselves as a baobab for our island: rooted in place, sheltering our people, and sustaining the work that drives progress on St. Croix and throughout the Virgin Islands.

Wine in the Warehouse is the fruit of that tree—a joyful harvest where community, culture, and philanthropy converge. Each ticket purchased and each sponsorship pledged feeds back into the Foundation’s roots, allowing us to grow the branches of our work: revitalizing Sunday Market Square, nurturing youth through scholarships, strengthening nonprofits through fiscal sponsorship, grantmaking, and the Nonprofit Consortium, and advocating for equity across the Virgin Islands.

This year’s event carries an especially meaningful resonance with the announcement of our guest chef, Eric Adjepong. A first-generation Ghanaian-American, Chef Eric hails from the very homeland of the baobab, where the tree has long been revered as a source of nourishment and community gathering. His presence at Wine in the Warehouse bridges our island’s own ancestral roots with those of West Africa—reminding us that the spirit of resilience and abundance is global, and that St. Croix is part of a much larger story of connection and belonging.

Event Details

• Date & Time: Friday, December 5, 2025 | 6–9 PM
• Location: Bohlke International Aviation Hangar
• Tickets: Early bird tickets ($150) available September 17 – September 25; regular tickets ($175) available thereafter. Limited VIP Experience tickets will also be released, offering exclusive access to Chef Eric Adjepong, signed copies of his cookbook, craft cocktails, and small bites.

Call to Action

Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so community members are encouraged to secure theirs early at stxfoodandwine.com. For sponsorship opportunities or to learn more about how to support the Foundation, visit www.stxfoodandwine.com or contact Chevon Miles, Director of Development, at cmiles@stxfoundation.org.                        

St. Croix Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to presenting sponsors Bohlke International Aviation, CC1, Cost-U-Less, and Crucian Point, and early sponsors Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Marshall + Sterling and J. Benton Construction, for their steadfast commitment to this event and to the community at large. With their partnership, Wine in the Warehouse continues to grow as one of the Virgin Islands’ most anticipated culinary celebrations.

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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 direct 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 $50 million private and public sector dollars invested into the U.S. Virgin Islands.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Croix Foundation for Community Development is proud to announce the recipients of $28,000 in scholarships awarded to eight exceptionally talented, rising first-year university students in a Virtual Awards Presentation held on July 7th, 2025. Scholarships were awarded through the Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund and the Patrick and Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund. 

Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund
In 2025, the Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund awarded a total of $10,000 in awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 to five youth whose talent, skill, and leadership will allow them to contribute to the Virgin Islands and the Global Community:

• Curtis Charlery, Jr., George Washington University, Major: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Vivia Webster, Tulane University, Major: Biochemistry
• Nia Francis, Tennessee State University, Biology
• Nakai Theodore, University of the Virgin Islands, Major: Nursing
• Nathan Langley, New York University, Major: Mechanical Engineering

Patrick & Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund
The Patrick and Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund awarded a total of $18,000 to six outstanding young people who demonstrated their ability to persevere against the odds to meet their goals.

• One Invitation-Only Scholarship was issued to Jahnaiy Rodriguez to support his second year studying Physical Therapy at Florida A & M University. 
• Five Competitive Scholarships, ranging from $1000 to $4000 each, were awarded to:
  • Nia Francis, Tennessee State University, Major: Biology
  • Nayelis A’Shante’ St. Omer, Tuskegee University, Dual Major: Architecture & Construction Management Science
  • Vivia Webster, Tulane University, Major: Biochemistry
  • J’Neolise Sirraya Green, Winston-Salem State University, Social Work
  • Curtis Charlery, Jr., George Washington University, Major: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Taking advantage of an early start, Curtis Charlery, Jr., an ambitious scholarship recipient for both funds, matriculated over the summer. In his pre-recorded statement, he described the impact of community-rooted philanthropy.

“These scholarships mean more to me than just financial assistance. They are an investment in my future, and they give me the support and confidence I need as I begin my first year of college. Because of your generosity, I can begin this experience focused and determined, not burdened by financial stress. Your support is not only opening doors for me but also showing me that people believe in my potential. That is a gift I will never take for granted.”

Fund Background and Impact

Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund
The Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund, now in its third year, continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Established by Crucian Raydiance Wise, herself an aerospace engineer, the Fund’s purpose is specifically designed to offset unexpected expenses for first-year university students. At the heart of this fund’s purpose lies philanthropy itself, with each applicant being asked to describe how they envision themselves giving back to the Virgin Islands and on a global level. Since 2023, the Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund has awarded $41,900 to 15 ambitious St. Croix graduates studying forensic accounting, plant genetics, aerospace engineering, and more. To expand opportunities and access, the Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund has also awarded grants to STEM-related youth organizations such as the St. Croix Rocketry Association.

Patrick and Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund
The Patrick and Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund was established in 2018 by Junior Gaspard, a distinguished alumnus of Central High School and John H. Woodson Junior High School. Created in honor of his grandparents, one year after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Fund embodies a spirit of resilience and determination. Patrick Williams, a trailblazer who moved his family from St. Vincent to St. Croix, and Amelia Williams, who faced the challenges of losing her eyesight with grace and courage, serve as inspirations for this Fund. It aims to support public high school graduates who have encountered and overcome significant obstacles, empowering them to pursue higher education and achieve personal and professional success. To date, the Patrick and Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund has awarded $113,000 to 24 young people pursuing a diverse range of degrees, from social work and music education to biochemistry and meteorology. Of those young people, seven were invited back for one to three more years of support, ensuring that as studies become more intensive and financial aid decreases, awardees receive sustained support that is critical to success.

St. Croix Foundation President, Deanna James, stated that “Each year, St. Croix Foundation continues to intentionally cultivate coherence within our scholarship fund portfolio to nurture a pipeline of support for our young people. By continuously assessing the landscape and adapting our approach, we strengthen the foundation for a resilient, thriving future for the Virgin Islands. The candidates for this year’s scholarship exemplified perseverance, ambition, and represent diverse fields of study – all of which are directly related to their experiences growing up in the Virgin Islands and their commitment to give back.”

St. Croix Foundation wishes to extend its sincerest appreciation to the Donors and Advisors of the Lang-Wise STEM Scholarship Fund and the Patrick and Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund, as well as the Foundation’s Grants & Scholarship Committee for their time and care in evaluating applications. 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 – The Annie E. Casey Foundation released its national 2025 KIDS COUNT® Data Book on June 9th, 2025. The 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book is a 50-state report of recent household data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, analyzing how children and families are faring post-pandemic. (Note that the U.S. Virgin Islands is not part of the rankings in the National KIDS COUNT Data Book, as it draws data from the American Community Survey, which is not conducted in the territory. The U.S. Virgin Islands is included in the KIDS COUNT © Data Center (https://datacenter.aecf.org/), which houses key data points on child well-being across the nation.)

Each year, the Data Book presents national and state data from 16 indicators in four domains — economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors — and ranks the states according to how children are faring overall.

This year, national Data Book trends presented a complex picture: steady progress in some areas, setbacks in others and persistent opportunities to do better for children and their families. Since 2019, seven of the 16 key indicators have improved, six have worsened and three have not changed.

The national Data Book also highlighted the impact of geography: with data showing that where a child lives matters for their health and quality of life: “Geographic disparities around the country have persisted for years, shaped by differences in state and local policies, economic conditions, infrastructure, resources, neighborhood characteristics and community investment.” Geographic disparity is a reality we face in the U.S. Virgin Islands as well, albeit on a smaller scale. 

To supplement available national data, each year St. Croix Foundation’s KIDS COUNT USVI team publishes a Data Book (or product) focused specifically on the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) that reports available data aligned with the four domains of the national Data Book. To date, St. Croix Foundation has published four Data Books/ Spotlights and, in 2025, released the territory’s first online, interactive KIDS COUNT USVI Data Dashboard (www.stxfoundation.org/kids-count-dashboard/).

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, geography matters as well. According to the 2020 Census, 33% of children in the USVI were living in poverty. The poverty rate is even higher for children under age five, with 37% affected. But poverty levels are not evenly distributed throughout the islands.

One method to illustrate the distribution of children in poverty in the USVI is through a map of the islands, highlighting estates where child poverty is most prevalent. (These custom maps are available in the 2023 KIDS COUNT USVI Data Book, available at this link: stxfoundation.info/2023KIDSCOUNTUSVIDataBook.

On St. Croix, 36% of children across the island lived in families with household income below the poverty line, with the center-west areas (Estate Paradise and Profit) being most affected. Additional pockets of high child poverty are found on the north shore just west of Christiansted (Golden Rock). Areas with the lowest child poverty rates are concentrated in the southeast and eastern ends of the island. Estates and income levels are seen as follows:

St. Croix Estate Name	Percentage of Families with income below the poverty level in that Estate
Estate Paradise	65%
Estate Frederiksted	55%
Estate Golden Rock	54%
Estate Profit	49%
Estate Plessen South	48%
St. Thomas Estate Name	Percentage of Families with income below the poverty level in that Estate
Estate Bovoni	32%
Estate Kronprinsens Quarter	32%
Estate Long Bay	30%
Estate Hospital Ground	27%
Estate Thomas	27%
St. John Estate Name	Percentage of Families with income below the poverty level in that Estate
Estate Mandahl	67%
Estate Bellevue	30%
Estate Beverhoudstberg	29%
Estate Pastory	24%
Estate Calabash Boom	23%

On St. Thomas, 30% of children island-wide lived in poverty according to the 2020 Census. The highest child poverty rates were located in the center of the island (Kronprinsens Quarter and Hospital Ground), and another significant cluster in the southeast (Estate Bovoni). The lowest child poverty rates are concentrated in the west and southwest of the island.

Finally, 27% of children on St. John lived in poverty. The highest concentration of child poverty is found in Estate Mandahl and Estate Saunders Gut, while areas with the lowest child poverty rates are mostly located in the east and northeastern end of the island.

As a child, where you live in the USVI matters. It encompasses the average family income in your neighborhood, the performance of your local public school, the placement of public housing, and the investment of government and private sector resources, including transportation, services, and businesses.

By mapping and monitoring indicators like child poverty at the estate level, we equip policymakers, community organizations, and funders with the evidence needed to prioritize high-need areas and implement targeted interventions. At the same time, critical data gaps remain, particularly in areas such as early childhood development, youth mental health, and educational outcomes disaggregated by disability or language status. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing a fuller, more equitable understanding of child well-being across the territory.

St. Croix Foundation President and CEO, Deanna James, commented, “Geographic disparities are often compounded by systemic inequities shaped by race, class, and gender. In the USVI, historic patterns of underinvestment, colonial governance, and vulnerability to climate-related disruptions contribute to these disparities and require context-specific, equity-driven responses.”

Now in its 36th year of publication, the KIDS COUNT® Data Book provides reliable statewide numbers to help leaders see where progress is being made, where greater support is needed and which strategies are making a difference. “To truly become a country that equips every child to thrive as adults, our leaders need focus, creativity and commitment,” said Lisa Lawson, president and CEO of the Casey Foundation. “The Data Book’s findings call on leaders at every level to act boldly to build a strong future, relying on what we know works.” “By staying grounded in data and driven by what children and families say they need, we can help ensure that all young people have the chance to thrive and contribute meaningfully as adults, helping to grow our future workforce, reduce long-term social and economic costs and build a stronger society for everyone,” Lawson continued.

The 2025 national KIDS COUNT® Data Book can be accessed at www.aecf.org/databook. Virgin Islands KIDS COUNT publications and the Data Dashboard can be found by visiting St. Croix Foundation’s website at www.stxfoundation.org/kids-count-usvi/. For more information about KIDS COUNT USVI, contact St. Croix Foundation at 340-773-9898 or kidscountusvi@stxfoundation.org.