Junior Ocean Explorers

 

Logo for the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program

JUNIOR OCEAN EXPLORERS SUMMER PROGRAM
The Junior Ocean Explorers (JOE) Summer Program is a continuous, 2 week, hands-on marine science program for students in grades 3-6 interested in learning more about our environment. Currently, it is only offered on St. Thomas; however, efforts are underway to establish an equivalent JOE Summer Program experience for students on St. Croix and St. John. JOE prioritizes teaching youth the basics and fundamentals of swimming and snorkeling. Engaging youth at this age is pivotal to increasing their interest in and curiosity within the marine sciences.

REGISTRATION FOR JOE CAN BE FOUND BELOW.

We highly encourage interested applicants to please review the information found on this page as it will ensure both the parent / legal guardian and the applicant understand how the program functions. 
 
 

JOE SUMMER PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Within this section, you can learn more about 1) Elligibity requirements for students interested in attending JOE, 2) What the overal program structure is like for both students and mentors, and 3) Important information on the registration, payment, and cancellation processes. 
  • Howard Forbes Jr. (M.Sc.) - JOE Program Director 
    JOE Team Member Howard Forbes
  • Jarvon Stout - JOE Program Coordinator
    JOE Team Member Jarvon
  • Jendahye Antoine - JOE Program Coordinator 
    YOE Team Lead Jendahye
  • Amber Knight - Water Safety Instructor 
    YOE Team Lead Amber Knight
  • Zoe Banfield - Water Safety Instructor 
    YOE Team Lead Zoe
  • JOE Mentors - This could be you! 
    YOE Mentors
  • Open to youth in grades 3-6 (ages 6-11) who were either born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and/or currently reside in the USVI (or may now live abroad).
  • Should have an interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics).
  • Should have an interest in being in the outdoors (ocean, forests, nature, etc.).
  • Student MUST be able to attend the entire Session they registered for. For example: if you register for Session 1, you should plan to be in attendance for the entirety of Session 1 barring any emergencies. (Spaces are limited each year, so please plan your vacations accordingly if you wish to apply).
  • JOE has 2 Sessions that applicants can register for; interested applicants can register for the Session they are interested in (this could also include attending both Sessions). 
  • At this time, the JOE Summer Program is only offered on St. Thomas.
  • Session 1 will take place from June 3 - June 14 and will cover the Learn to Swim basics / snorkeling with an emphasis on marine animal identification. 
  • Session 2 will take place from June 17 - 21 and will cover the Learn to Swim basics / snorkeling with an emphasis on ecology and coastal plants.
  • Students meet daily at UVI's Marine Science Center from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Lunches and snacks will be provided. (Please be sure to indicate ALL known allergies of the applicant (if applicable) when applying.
  • Housing is not provided as this is NOT an overnight program.
  • Students that have previously participated in our Youth Ocean Explorers (YOE) Summer Program are elligible to apply to be a JOE mentor.
  • JOE mentors assist the team with the facilitation of the program's activities. 
  • Mentors can receive Emergency First Responder (EFR) training prior to the start of the program. 
  • Selected mentors receive a monetary stipend at the conclusion of the program. 
  • Stipend amounts vary based on the students current education level (High School / Undergraduate / Graduate) and available funding for that year. 
  • Registration for JOE opens each year on JANUARY 1 and closes firmly on APRIL 1.
  • Your application consists of two parts: the PARENT APPLICATION and the STUDENT APPLICATION. Both are required and should be received no later than APRIL 1.
  • Completed applications will be reviewed after APRIL 1; applicants will be notified of the selection process via E-mail.   
  • Selected applicants are required to pay a one-time program registration fee of $200 which covers all program-related costs such as student supplies, field trip expenses, and lunches.
  • Session 1 costs $200 whereas Session 2 costs $100.
  • Payment can be made in person or over the phone with the cashiers at the Orville E. Kean (St. Thomas) UVI Campus (340-693-1437); forms of payment accepted include cash, check, or credit card. 
  • Scholarships are available which can cover up to $100 towards the $200 registration fee (Only available for Session 1 applicants at this time).
  • Scholarship recipients volunteer at a minimum of 1 community service event hosted by either VIMAS, VI-EPSCoR, DPNR, or other Environmental-focused agency (not in the USVI) before DECEMBER 31 of the year the scholarship was awarded. Additional information about these events will be shared both during and after the program concludes. 
  • Students can withdraw prior to the start date of the program to receive a full refund of any monies paid to date. 
  • If a student withdraws after the program has already started, no refunds will be issued. 

 

REGISTER FOR JOE 2024 HERE:

SESSION 1: JUNE 3-14, 2024 / MARINE ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION AND SWIMMING
SESSION 2: JUNE 17-21, 2024 / ISLAND ECOLOGY AND SWIMMING 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2024

Dr. Marilyn Brandt speaking with students about coral restoration
ST. THOMAS
This portion of the JOE 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. Estimated time to complete ~ 5 minutes.
JOE students getting their faces painted
ST. THOMAS
This last component of the JOE application should be completed by the applicant. It contains 2 short essay questions that will provide our team with a better understanding of an applicant's interest in the program and STEM. Estimated time to complete ~ 1 - 2 hours.
JOE Mentors assisting students with data collection
ST. THOMAS
If you are interested in being a mentor or swim instructor for JOE, complete this application to join our team. Previous mentors have included high school, undergraduate, and graduate level students. Mentors assist with day-to-day activities, provide guidance and support to student participants, and are paid for their time.

 

CONTACT US!

OUR TEAM IS HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU.
Phone  Email Social Media 
340-693-1672 howard.forbes@uvi.edu
jendahye.antoine@uvi.edu

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