Youth Ocean Explorers

YOUTH OCEAN EXPLORERS SUMMER PROGRAM

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. 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. Dive in and join our Youth Ocean Explorers family today!

MEET OUR TEAM!

Contact us if you are interested in joining our Ocean Explorers Team!
YOE Team Member Forbes
Howard Forbes Jr. (MSc.) (Program Director)
"I am one of the Red Cross certified lifeguards for the Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program as well as one of the contributors to the program's content design, funding, and logistics."
YOE Team Lead Stout
Jarvon Stout (STT Program Coordinator)
"As one of the Red Cross certified lifeguards for the Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program, I aid in the program's content design and activity facilitation with a particular focus on marine animals."
YOE Team Lead Jen
Jendahye Antoine (MSc.) (STT Program Coordinator)
"Hey there! I am one of the Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program content contributors, logistics leads, and activity facilitators."
YOE Team Lead Shamoy
Shamoy Bideau (STX Program Coordinator)
"I am one of the Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program content contributors, logistics leads, and activity facilitators. My background in coral ecology is infused throughout each lesson."
YOE Team Lead Zoe
Zoe Banfield (Water Safety Instructor)
"Coach Zoe here! I am one of the Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructors for the Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program; my focus is on teaching swimming fundamentals, ensuring water safety, and activity facilitation."
YOE Team Lead Amber
Amber Knight (Water Safety Instructor)
"As one of the Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructors for the Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program, my focus is on teaching swimming fundamentals, ensuring water safety, and activity facilitation."
YOE Mentor
YOE Mentors
We recruit past program participants, high school, undergraduate, and graduate level students to assist with daily program activities. Mentors receive a monetary stipend for their time based on their current education level and funding availability.
YOE Photographer Kayden
YOE Photographer (Kayden Richards) 
"Hey there! I am one of the lead photographers for the Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program, capturing each student's successes through my camera lens."

 

A SUMMER EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER!

Where the ocean is your classroom! DONATE TODAY TO SUPPORT VI YOUTH IN STEM

 

 

YOE SUMMER PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

Within this section, you can learn more about 1) Elligibity requirements for students interested in attending YOE, 2) What the overal program structure is like for the 4-weeks, and 3) Important information on what the registration process entails from start to finish. 
  • Open to youth in grades 7-12 (ages 11-18).
  • Should already know how to swim and be comfortable being outdoors.
  • 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).
  • Student MUST be able to attend the entire program. (Plan your vacation accordingly).
  • Program operates for 4 consecutive weeks between July and August..
  • Monday/Wednesday: Zoom sessions for 1 hour 
    Tuesday/Thursday/Friday: In-person field-based activities; full day (9:00 am - 4:00 pm)
  • In-person scuba sessions are scheduled on weekends at the dive shop; E-learning can be completed at student's own pace. (Student MUST be a strong swimmer to enroll in the scuba course)
  • Students meet daily through a combination of virtual and in person activities. 
  • Housing is not provided as this is not an overnight program.
  • Lunches are catered and optional (Please be sure to indicate ALL known allergies of the applicant (if applicable) when registering.
  • Registration for YOE opens each year on JANUARY 1 and closes firmly on MAY 1.
  • Your application consists of two parts: the PARENT APPLICATION and the STUDENT APPLICATION. Both are required and should be received no later than MAY 1
  • Completed applications will be reviewed after MAY 1; applicants will be notified of the selection process via E-mail. 
  • Selected applicants are required to pay a one-time program fee of $400 which covers all program-related costs such as student supplies, field trip expenses, lunches, and scuba training. Scholarships are available for local students which can cover registration and scuba costs.
  • Scholarships can be full or partial with the requirement that recipients volunteer at a minimum of 3 community service events hosted by either VIMAS, VI-EPSCoR, or DPNR
  • Additional forms such as media releases and liability waivers will be shared with selected applicants prior to the start date of the program; please check your E-mail regularly as to not miss any important program information. 
YOE Background Image, Baitfish and Tarpon Swimming

WHAT DO STUDENTS SAY ABOUT YOE

"I can confidently say that YOE was a life changing experience. As I aspire to become a Marine Biologist, this program was able to give me a little taste of what that life would consist of. I was able to meet amazing and knowledgeable people along the way, as well as see marine animals that I would’ve never imagined seeing this early in my life." - YOE 2023 Student Nakyala King

 


LET'S GET YOU REGISTERED! 

Registration consists of several components but can be completed on your own time.


 

YOE students planting mangroves
WILL OPEN IN JAN 2024
This portion of the YOE application process should be completed by the parent or legal guardian and provides our team with important information such as the applicant's t-shirt / shoe size, known allergies, and emergency contact information.
YOE students taking notes on coral species observed.
WILL OPEN IN JAN 2024
This component of the YOE application should be completed by the applicant. It contains 3 short essay questions and a required video that the applicant will create and upload to this DROPBOX folder that explains why they think they should be selected for the program. Think of the video as an interview; be creative and concise.
YOE mentors assisting students with getting snorkel equipment
WILL OPEN IN JAN 2024
If you previously participated in YOE or are a highschool or college student interested in being a YOE mentor are encouraged to apply. Mentors assist with day-to-day activities, provide guidance and support to student participants, and are paid for their support of YOE!
International Coastal Cleanup 2023 Logo

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Coastweeks Cleanups officially start on September 16, 2023 and continue through to October 29, 2023. These cleanups are an easy way to earn community service hours as well as help remove marine debris from coastal habitats.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COASTWEEKS

CONTACT US!

Our team is happy to help you.

Office Phone: (340) 693-1672
E-mail: (howard.forbes@uvi.edu)
Website: http://vimas.uvi.edu
Find us on Facebook  Find us on Facebook
instagram brand logo icon 
Find us on Instagram

Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service
Center for Marine and Environmental Studies
University of the Virgin Islands

Home