73.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeCommunityEnvironmentYouth Ocean Explorers Summer Program Launches on St. Croix

Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program Launches on St. Croix

Youth Ocean Explorers

For the first time, students from St. Croix will have an opportunity to participate in the popular Youth Ocean Explorers (YOE) program this coming summer.

Based at the University of the Virgin Islands, YOE is a marine science-based summer enrichment opportunity that aims to increase students’ interest and engagement in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and the ocean sciences. The program has been conducted on the UVI St. Thomas Campus for three years.

With funding from the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, the program will make its debut on St. Croix from July 8-12 and July 22-26.

Youth Ocean Explorers walk the bottom of the sea.

During two fun interactive and hands-on, one-week sessions, students from grades seven to twelve who are registered for the St. Croix program can expect to learn about the various inhabitants of the ocean, the importance of coral reefs, threats to the island’s marine ecosystems, and actions that can be taken to help reduce those environmental threats.

“Some activities involve geocaching, where the students do a scavenger hunt kind of activity, and it allows them to hunt for the information. Instead of us lecturing the kids, it’s more fun, it’s more engaging, it’s more hands-on. I think that, by far, is what sets our program apart,” said Howard Forbes Jr., who serves as the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service coordinator for St. Thomas and St. John.

Youth explorers studying science on the beach

YOE’s unique format allows students to learn in non-traditional settings such as the outdoors and marine environment, and to use problem-solving and critical thinking skills to learn about selected topics.

The program’s emphasis on the diverse, fragile ocean environment has left a strong impression with former students.

Destin Ogarro said, “This program helped me by teaching me about the inhabitants of the ocean, various habitats in the ocean, and how temperature changes in the water can affect corals.”

“I learned more about the marine environment and how we need to help it and stop polluting the ocean. And I can spread the word to my family and friends to use less plastic,” said Keziah Bellew.

Students from the St. Thomas program also have benefited from being exposed to new ideas and understanding scientists and what they do.

Youth Ocean Explorers is a marine science-based summer enrichment opportunity.

“I now see myself more as a scientist. I actually plan on going to college and studying marine biology to make the world a better place,” said Maura-Monee Richardson.
The Youth Ocean Explorers program on St. Thomas is part of Supporting Emerging Aquatic Scientists (or SEAS) Your Tomorrow, which fosters curiosity, instills stewardship, and forges and strengthens educational pathways for V.I. youth to explore and secure careers in marine science.

Students interested in participating in the St. Croix program should have some prior experience with swimming. Additional information and registration details are available at: http://vimas.uvi.edu or visit https://www.uvi.edu/community/virgin-islands-marine-advisory-service/st-thomas/vimas_youth_ocean_stx.aspx

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.