The Youth Ocean Explorers (YOE) Summer Program, which started in 2015, is a 4-week,
hands-on marine science program for middle to high school-aged students interested
in exploring our oceans. YOE utilizes best practices in science education and youth
development to provide a fun, unique and educational experience for students in grades
7-12. Each week, our team of informal science educators and youth mentors engage students
on various topics such as animal and plant identification, careers in marine science,
and environmental impacts to natural resources. Students can also earn their PADI
open water scuba certification from the Coki Dive Center and
Cane Bay Dive Shop which helps to further their love for the ocean! Dive in and join our Youth Ocean
Explorers family today!
Meet Our Team!
Howard Forbes Jr.
Jarvon Stout
YOE Program Mentor
Highlights from the Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program
Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program students refine their snorkeling skills to explore underwater habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. Building upon the aquatic and safety skills students learn in our Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program (grades 3-6), YOE students develop a greater sense of environmental stewardship and awareness of the natural resources, those both on land and underwater.
Through their exploration of careers within the marine sciences, students also get
to learn the basics of sailing, tying knots, and maritime safety. This opportunity
was made possible through our partnership with the nonprofit organization Common Tides.
Learn More About Common Tides
YOE students are provided with opportunities to utililize their knowledge and skills
obtained during the program in real-world applications. Students that have earned
their scuba diving certification are able to participate in the Youth Diving With a Purpose Program based in Fort Lauderdale during the summer months. There, they can network with other
diverse divers as well as assist with coral restoration efforts.
Learn More About Youth Diving With A Purpose
Students that return in subsequent years can apply to work (paid position) in the capacity of a YOE mentor where they assist program staff with the day to day operations of the program. This provides students with an opportunity to give back to the program and earn valuable experience that can open doors for their academic and career goals.
In 2019, a YOE component was launched on the island of St. Croix which is made possible through partnerships with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Virgin Islands National Park Service. Participants can enjoy exploring the mangroves at Salt River Bay as well as assisting the National Park Service with their annual sea turtle monitoring program on Buck Island.
Through a partnership with the National Science Foundation funded S.E.A.S. (Supporting Emerging Aquatic Scientists) Islands Alliance Program, YOE students are provided with continued support post program completion.
- Open to youth in grades 7-12 (ages 11-18).
- Should already know how to swim.
- First preference is given to youth from and/or currently residing in the Virgin Islands.
- Should have in interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
- Program operates for 4 consecutive weeks; July 3-28.
- Monday/Wednesday: Zoom sessions for 1 hour
Tuesday/Thursday/Friday: In-person field-based activities; full day (9:00 am - 4:00 pm) - Scuba courses operate on weekends at the dive shop.
- Students meet daily through a combination of virtual and in person activities.
- Housing is not provided as this is not an overnight program.
- One-time registration fee of $400 which covers all program-related costs.
- Scholarships are available for local students which can cover registration and scuba costs.
- Registration for YOE opens each year on January 1 and closes firmly on May 1.
Youth Ocean Explorers Registration
- The YOE application consists of 2 parts; the Parent/Guardian Application and the Student Application. Both are required to be completed and submitted before May 1.
- Completed applications will be reviewed after May 1st and selected students will be notified via E-mail within the next 1-2 weeks (please check your E-mail regularly). We accept on average 10-20 students each year depending on funding.
- Selected applicants will be provided with additional paperwork to complete such as photo and liability release forms for field trips, scuba-related documents, and provided with information to process payment at the University's Cashiers Office. Information pertaining to scholarships and applying for a scholarship will be provided to selected applicants.
Office Phone: (340) 693-1672
E-mail: (howard.forbes@uvi.edu)
Website: http://vimas.uvi.edu
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Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service
Center for Marine and Environmental Studies
University of the Virgin Islands