US Virgin Islands Native Establishes $1 Million Scholarship Fund at NC State
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands – A remarkable $1 million scholarship fund, the brainchild of successful Microsoft executive and St. Thomas native Rashida A. Hodge, has been announced. This groundbreaking initiative, housed under the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI), will provide full undergraduate scholarships to deserving students from the U.S. Virgin Islands public school system attending North Carolina State University (NCSU). Hodge’s generous donation represents a powerful investment in education and future leadership within the Virgin Islands community, inspired by her own successful journey and a desire to empower the next generation. This scholarship isn’t just about financial aid; it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity, reflecting Hodge’s commitment to fostering future leaders and diversifying higher education.
Key Takeaways:
- $1 Million Scholarship Fund: Rashida A. Hodge, a St. Thomas native and Microsoft executive, has established a $1 million scholarship fund at NC State University.
- Full Undergraduate Scholarships: The fund will provide full tuition, housing, and fees to deserving students from the U.S. Virgin Islands public school system.
- NCSU Connection: The scholarships are specifically for students attending Hodge’s alma mater, NC State, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial engineering.
- Inspiring Legacy: Hodge’s donation is driven by a desire to give back to her community and create opportunities for others to succeed, reflecting her grandmother’s legacy of giving and faith.
- Applications Open March 2025: Students can apply for the inaugural scholarship in March 2025, with a May deadline. This is a life-changing opportunity for aspiring students interested in studying at NC State.
Hodge’s Inspiring Journey and the Genesis of the Scholarship
Rashida A. Hodge’s career trajectory is nothing short of remarkable. From her roots in Charlotte Amalie High School on St. Thomas to her current role as Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, leading the company’s Data and AI Customer Success Global Commercial Business, her journey exemplifies the transformative power of education. Before joining Microsoft, she spent 20 years at IBM, honing her leadership skills and building a reputation for excellence. Her accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Fortune’s 40 Under 40 in technology (2020), NC Tech Woman of the Year (2021), and recipient of the Triangle Business Journal’s Women in Business Award (2022).
In her commencement address to NC State’s class of 2024, Hodge powerfully declared, “Giving will forever be my positive disruption of choice.” This statement underscores the philosophy behind her monumental contribution to the CFVI. Her decision to establish the scholarship fund is deeply personal, rooted in a desire to honor her maternal grandmother, Ioline Hodge. “This endowment allows me to give Virgin Islanders an opportunity to further their education at the very place that was formative to my development and career,” Hodge explained. “It is her legacy of giving and faith that shaped me most. I think of who my grandmother could or would have been had she received opportunities for education and exposure. Because in every way, my success is her success.“
A Commitment to Representation and Future Leadership
Hodge also articulated a crucial aspect of her motivation: “This gift is my way of honoring the support that shaped my journey and ensures others have the same chance to succeed. Too often, those making significant contributions don’t look like me, and I want to change that. This scholarship is not just about funding education; it’s about inspiring others to see themselves as contributors and leaders. That is the legacy I hope to build,” she emphasized. This statement underscores the importance of representation and diversity in philanthropy, aiming to level the playing field and inspire future generations of leaders from underrepresented communities.
The Scholarship’s Impact on Virgin Islands Students
The Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship is designed to provide comprehensive support to deserving students. Open to graduates of U.S. Virgin Islands public high schools, the scholarship considers both academic excellence and financial need. Successful applicants who have been accepted to NCSU will receive full funding for tuition, housing, and fees. The award is renewable for up to three additional years, contingent upon maintaining a 3.25 GPA and remaining in good academic standing. This isn’t just financial assistance; it’s a transformative opportunity that can significantly alter the trajectory of a student’s life.
A Multifaceted Approach to Empowering the Community
Dee Baecher-Brown, President of CFVI, highlighted the profound impact of Hodge’s contribution: “Rashida’s extraordinary gift embodies the spirit of community and selflessness. Her commitment isn’t just about creating opportunities for individual students, it’s about strengthening the entire Virgin Islands community, one future leader at a time,” she stated. This perspective emphasizes the ripple effect of such a substantial investment, extending beyond individual recipients to benefit the entire Virgin Islands community through the development of future leaders and professionals.
NC State’s Enthusiastic Response
NC State University welcomed Hodge’s generous gift with open arms. Chancellor Dr. Randy Woodson expressed pride in having Hodge as an alumna and emphasized the scholarship’s positive impact: “This scholarship fund will not only bring more exceptional students to our campus, but allow them to earn the uniquely impactful and hands-on education behind our Think and Do mindset,” he commented. This statement underscores the university’s commitment to fostering a diverse and talented student body, and recognizes the value Hodge’s scholarship brings to the NC State community.
Jon Westover, NCSU’s Associate Vice Provost and Director of Admissions, further underscored the importance of scholarships in enriching the campus environment: “At NC State, scholarships do more than lower financial barriers; they bring diversity and talent to our campus. Rashida’s generosity will allow students from the Virgin Islands to bring their unique perspectives and talents to enrich our learning environment. We are deeply grateful,” he noted. This statement highlights the multi-faceted impact of scholarships – not only easing financial strain but also enhancing the cultural richness and intellectual vibrancy of the university.
A Legacy of Educational Support and Future Prospects
The CFVI has a long-standing history of supporting higher education in the U.S. Virgin Islands, having awarded over $4 million in scholarships since 1996. The Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship Fund stands as a significant addition to this legacy, amplifying the organization’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities for the territory’s youth. The scholarship’s establishment signifies a continued dedication to investment in the community’s future. Baecher-Brown concluded by expressing the CFVI’s pride in Hodge and her inspirational philanthropy: “We are incredibly fortunate to have Rashida as part of our CFVI family. Her vision and generosity set a powerful example of what it means to give back, and we hope this inspires others to follow in her footsteps,“
Application Process and Future Outlook
The inaugural Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship will be awarded for the 2025-2026 academic year, with applications opening in March 2025 and a deadline in May. This substantial investment, coupled with the ongoing commitment of the CFVI, promises to transform the educational landscape for Virgin Islands students seeking higher education at NC State University. The legacy of this scholarship goes beyond monetary contributions; it inspires a culture of giving back and empowers a new generation of leaders.
