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.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE JUNIOR OCEAN EXPLORERS SUMMER PROGRAM
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
- Jarvon Stout - JOE Program Coordinator
- Jendahye Antoine - JOE Program Coordinator
- Amber Knight - Water Safety Instructor
- Zoe Banfield - Water Safety Instructor
- JOE Mentors - This could be you!
- 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.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2024
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.
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.
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.
Phone | Social Media | |
---|---|---|
340-693-1672 | howard.forbes@uvi.edu jendahye.antoine@uvi.edu |