Education

Project Promise Caterpillars Become Certified COVID-19 Youth Ambassadors

ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, (OCTOBER 29, 2020)— When St. Croix non-profit Project Promise launched its flagship Caterpillar Project to provide a full range of programming for a group of at-risk youth, it made community service an integral part of the program. The COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped this. In fact, it is the focus of their current efforts! With the goal of creating and implementing a community service project that can potentially impact the entire St. Croix community, the “Caterpillars” have completed Heart to Heart International’s COVID-19 Youth Ambassador program.

Based on guidelines from the CDC and the WHO, the COVID-19 Youth Ambassador Program was created for high school students to lead a new generation of health educators. Heart to Heart International’s training program taught these teens a wealth of information about COVID-19. For example, they learned about the disease’s biology, symptoms, risks, and prevention, and looked at COVID-19’s mental health considerations and warning signs. Once they had a solid base of knowledge from which to work, the students participated in a live online workshop in which they received expert assistance creating their own COVID-19 community outreach plan.

Participating in the program helped the Caterpillars develop their critical thinking, communication, problem solving and collaboration skills while becoming leaders in their communities. Project Promise’s newly certified COVID-19 Youth Ambassadors are now excited to launch their “Stop the Spread” educational campaign. The group will be using a variety of social media platforms to educate others about how to protect themselves from the coronavirus.

“Despite the fact that they are all at home,” says Resa O’Reilly, Project Promise’s founder and president, “our youth are seeing that they can still have a positive impact on the lives of others and do their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19.” To learn more or sign-up for this training, contact covid19@hearttoheart.org. For more information on Heart to Heart International’s ongoing projects and mission visit hearttoheart.org.

ABOUT PROJECT PROMISE
Project Promise is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth on St. Croix by providing empowerment initiatives, cultural programs and family services. To learn more about Project Promise, please visit their website at www.projectpromisevi.com.

ABOUT HEART TO HEART INTERNATIONAL
Headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, Heart to Heart International (HHI) is a global humanitarian organization focused on improving access to health. Since its inception in 1992, HHI has delivered medical aid and supplies worth $2 billion to more than 130 countries, including within the United States. HHI responds to natural disasters both domestically and internationally by supplying medical relief and mobilizing volunteers. The organization is a 4-star Charity Navigator charity, a BBB Accredited charity and is on the “Philanthropy 400.”

Chamber Scholarship Recipient to Graduate from HBC, Morehouse College

One of the first St Croix Chamber of Commerce scholarship recipients, Hector Acosta, recently transferred to the Historically Black College (HBC) at Morehouse College. We checked in with him to see how things were going with the transfer and class changes to virtual learning in relation to COVID-19.

This year has been quite challenging with relocating to Atlanta Georgia to attend Morehouse College, starting classes, and the whole pandemic.

With the spring term, I must say that I enjoyed my first semester at Morehouse. I was able to fit right in with the student culture and be a part of something bigger than myself. I finished the semester with a 4.0 despite the challenges of virtual learning. I was accepted into the AUC Modeling Agency and was selected to be apart of the Proctor and Gamble Scholars Program (P&G) by one of my professors.

I learned so much and continue to expand my knowledge. I’m looking forward to the upcoming semester and the new format of learning during COVID-19. However, I still plan to push/challenge myself, adapt, and excel in whatever task presented.

Hector Acosta, St Croix
Morehouse College

United Way “In It To Win It” Summer Book Club

The United Way of the U.S. Virgin Islands introduces the “In It To Win It” Summer Book Club initiative as a Covid-19 response to support distanced learning. During these unprecedented times of early school closures and isolation, the program is designed to enhance literacy skills, bolster imagination, and creativity through reading. The power of reading and access to books is irreplaceable, and a critical component of combating the summer slide under normal circumstances. “With the prospect of a greater slide due to the impact of COVID-19 in the territory, the United Way is committed to fight for our students, parents, and teachers. Together we are In It To Win It,” stated the organization’s President/CEO, Mr. Vinod P. Dadlani.

Students in Kindergarten thru 6^th Grade residing on the islands of St. Thomas, Water Island, St. Croix and St. John are invited to sign up to join the club! Literacy kits with free books will be distributed while supplies last. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the Book Club Contest, “Read. Imagine. Create,” to showcase what they’ve learned through self-expression. Participants on each island will have a chance to win $100, $75 and $50 gift cards to help with back to school.

Registration is open online at www.unitedwayusvi.org/bookclub. For more information please email inquiries to bookclub@unitedwayusvi.org. Parents and guardians are encouraged to sign up their children as soon as possible to reserve a literacy kit for the “In It To Win It” Summer Book Club.

CFVI Notifies Public of Opportunity to Download Noggin App FREE for 180 Days

The learning app from Nick Jr. features educational games, full episodes, eBooks, and activities for preschool-aged children

U.S. Virgin Islands, June 9, 2020 — Thanks to the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands’ participation in The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, families in the Territory can download and enjoy the Nogginapp FREE for 180 days. A subscription normally costs $7.99 per month. Noggin, the learning app from the experts at Nick Jr., brings more than 30 years of preschool edutainment experience into a smart and fun tool for kids ages 2+. Noggin provides access to an ever-expanding library of educational games, eBooks, activities, and exclusive shorts developed by curriculum specialists. With 1,000+ ad-free full episodes of preschool favorites like PAW Patrol, Peppa Pig and Bubble Guppies, children can go on learning adventures and explore math, science, literacy, music, manners, and more.

In light of the school closures and childcare issues disrupting the lives of families all across the country, Noggin is offering its service FREE for 180 days (for those who sign up by June 30, 2020) in partnership with the Campaign for Grade Level Reading. Families who sign up between July 1 and August 31, 2020 will receive 90 days free. The Campaign is a collaborative effort by foundations, nonprofit partners, business leaders, government agencies, states and communities across the nation to ensure that more children in low-income families succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career, and active citizenship. The Campaign focuses on an important predictor of school success and high school graduation—grade-level reading by the end of third grade.

“Our commitment to early childhood education remains steadfast, as does our desire to strengthen the resources available in the USVI, especially during this challenging time,” said CFVI Director of Grants and Programs, Anna Wheatley Scarbriel, Ph.D. “Through our support of initiatives such as WE COUNT!, Ready4K, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Little Free Libraries, the ‘Museums for All’ program, and others, we continue to do what we can so that all children and families in the Territory have access to the tools, support, and opportunities that lead to healthy development.” To sign up for the FREE 180-day subscription, visit cfvi.co/NogginSignUp. To learn more about Noggin, visit noggin.com.

About the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands Since 1990, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has been a catalyst for positive change in the Territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit cfvi.net.

2019 Scholarship Recipient Reflects on Freshman Year

2019 St Croix Chamber of Commerce Scholarship recipient, Giovane Barnes, provided the Chamber Board with an update of his first year of college during these challenging times. Determination and commitment have earned him a spot on the Dean’s List for Spring 2020. Mr. Barnes is another shining example of the value of investing in the youth of St Croix. Keep up the good work!

Throughout my high school journey, I have always wondered what my freshman year at a University would be like. For months, I would ponder on the difficulty of the workload and think about whether the social life that I desired would be maintainable. After my first year at Delaware State University, I have gained a thorough understanding of my university. If I am to be transparent, University life is very similar to my high school experience. This may be because I had taken a multitude of AP courses. Therefore, it was necessary that I learn to manage my time and workload well before attending university.

My first semester passed by quietly and without any serious road bumps. My instructors were masters within their various domains. Fortunately, they knew how to format complex information and I would not feel too overwhelmed. Therefore, my nights included studying within groups or alone in the library. Although this may not sound like the most enjoyable time, rest assured that my drive and passion for my major made those study nights pleasurable.

Additionally, the sacrifice was worth it as I was able to obtain my first 4.0 that semester.

However, my second semester was far more difficult. Not only had I decided that I would take on two honors courses, but I also took on the challenge of Calculus 2 as a freshman! These factors in combination with my Computer Science courses brewed a rough semester. Thus, there were countless all-nighters, mental challenges, and sporadic moments of self-doubt. Fortunately, I was able to overcome each of these obstacles as they presented themselves to me. I will make it clear that I have made mistakes this semester. However, I will also declare that I have learned from every single one of them. I am excited for the upcoming years of college as I know they will be conquered.

My social life at college was not what I dreamt it would be. Honestly, to get to where I am at right now, I have made countless sacrifices, turned down countless invitations, and missed countless social events. Will I live to regret these choices? I am not sure. However, I am content with where I am. I have been fortunate to be connected with a strong friend group comprised of scholars, who are invested in their own success as much as they are invested in mine, and that’s how I like it to be. The competitive nature amongst us keeps me on my toes.

Additionally, I have joined various clubs and organizations on campus such as the Computer Science Club and the Caribbean Student Association. Moreover, in an effort to be a leader and provide more service towards my peers, I campaigned and was elected Recording Secretary for the Computer Science Club for the year 2020-2021. I aim to take on the challenge of this role successfully and eventually run for Vice President or President. My first year was a roller coaster, however, I am extremely excited for the future years to come.

Giovane J. Barnes
Freshman: Computer Science
Delaware State University

2018 Chamber Scholarship Recipient Checks In

2018 St Croix Chamber of Commerce Scholarship recipient, Sahimelique Roebuck, recently checked in with Education Chair, Diane Butler, to update the organization on her accomplishments. We were thrilled to hear from her and to learn how she is thriving and taking every opportunity to grow. Ms. Roebuck is a wonderful example of the value of our scholarship program and the importance of investing in the youth of St. Croix.

Dear Ms. Diane –

I hope that the St. Croix Chamber Family is doing well and were able to transition into the circumstances that we are in smoothly!

I wanted to give the Chamber my end of the year update, towards the end of my fall semester I officially became a Junior in my second year of college. Because I have taken classes every summer and had the opportunity to study abroad in China, if everything goes as planned I will be graduating a year early in the month of May, Spring semester 2021!

This year I have accomplished a few of my goals. To names a few, I was promoted to Senior Intern with the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce and have now worked with them for over a year. Also, towards the summer I was accepted into the W.E.B DuBois honors program at Huston-Tillotson University, I now serve as one of the ambassadors for the school and take honor courses. Also, this summer I will be interning with Dell Technologies as a Sales Intern, due to the coronavirus the internship is now virtual and I will be working remotely from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. I am very excited for this experience and can not wait to learn from one of the leading companies in the technology industry field and see what the future holds at Dell.

The past two years have been hard, yet so rewarding there were many hardships, however, with tremendous support, I am able to overcome my challenges and push forward every day. With that being said, I wanted to say thank you for investing in my education because it has helped me tremendously and I will forever be grateful for the St. Croix Chamber Team!

Respectfully,
Sahimelique Roebuck
Junior: Business Administration- Management Major
W.E.B DuBois Scholar
Senior Intern at the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce
President of The GABC Collegiate Chapter

Please contact us at info@stxchamber.org if you would like to invest in our future by donating to our St Croix Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund.