By Sydney Paul
This summer, the UVI Research and Technology Park (RTPark) successfully launched its first-ever STEM Enrichment Summer Camp, giving more than 120 elementary, middle, and high school students the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in an engaging, hands-on environment.
On St. Croix, 65 students participated at RTPark’s headquarters at the 64 West Center on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, while 58 students on St. Thomas attended sessions at the XIIID Strategy and Research Innovation Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus. XIIID, a UVI RTPark client, has made a meaningful contribution to UVI through this innovative facility, which provided the perfect setting for students to connect with STEM in a university setting. Hosting the camp on UVI campuses offered young students an invaluable opportunity to experience university life up close, planting seeds for future academic and career pathways.
Students dove into coding, robotics, renewable energy, and digital literacy—while also participating in daily math enrichment and guided social-emotional learning activities designed to strengthen critical thinking, collaboration, and self-confidence. These sessions were led by a dedicated team of STEM facilitators and instructors who helped bring each lesson to life.
“It’s critical to expose Virgin Islands students to STEM as early as possible,” said RTPark Executive Director Eric Sonnier. “By sparking curiosity at a young age and showing them that the University of the Virgin Islands is a place where they belong, we’re helping to develop the Territory’s next generation of innovators.”
This inaugural camp reflects RTPark’s growing commitment to bridging education and workforce development through early exposure to STEM and meaningful community partnerships. Students left the camp inspired, equipped with tangible skills, and able to envision themselves as the future leaders and problem-solvers of the Virgin Islands.
Learn more about the STEM Enrichment Program at uvirtpark.net.
