The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) recently welcomed representatives from Tropical Shipping to the Orville E. Kean campus on St. Thomas to recognize the company’s longstanding support of the Youth Ocean Explorers (YOE) program and its continued impact on marine education and youth development across the territory.
During the visit, Tropical Shipping representatives met with UVI President Dr. Safiya George, YOE program coordinators and staff, and former students to recognize the partnership ahead of the Summer 2026 Junior Ocean Explorers program, which begins in June on St. Thomas.
Since 2017, Tropical Shipping has been one of the program’s most consistent corporate supporters, contributing more than $100,000 to help expand access to swimming instruction, marine science education, environmental stewardship and scuba certification opportunities for Virgin Islands youth. The program also receives annual support through an appropriation from the Legislature of the Virgin Islands.
As a company whose business is deeply connected to the ocean and the Caribbean region, Tropical Shipping understands the importance of healthy marine ecosystems and investing in programs that promote ocean safety, environmental stewardship and educational opportunity. The company’s continued support of Youth Ocean Explorers reflects a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of Virgin Islands leaders, scientists and maritime professionals.
Through the Youth Ocean Explorers (grades 7-12) and Junior Ocean Explorers (grades 3-6) programs, UVI has served 577 youth across the territory and scuba certified more than 160 students, creating pathways into STEM education, marine conservation and workforce development opportunities connected to the blue economy.
“Programs like Youth Ocean Explorers provide students with opportunities not only to become comfortable in the marine environment, but to understand, respect, and ultimately help protect it,” said Jennifer Nugent-Hill, senior director of Governmental and Community Affairs at Tropical Shipping. “We are proud to support a program that continues to create meaningful educational opportunities for Virgin Islands youth.”
Through the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS) and UVI’s Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES), the University works to promote education and awareness of the Caribbean’s natural and marine resources through community outreach and experiential learning opportunities.
Howard Forbes Jr., manager of the Youth Ocean Explorers program and outreach coordinator for VIMAS within UVI’s Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, said the program continues to transform how young people connect with the ocean and envision their futures.
“For many students, this program represents their first positive experience in the marine environment,” Forbes said. “What begins with learning to swim often grows into confidence, environmental awareness, academic motivation, and interest in marine and STEM careers. The sustained support of partners like Tropical Shipping has helped us reach hundreds of students across the territory and continue expanding opportunities for Virgin Islands youth.”
Dr. Safiya George thanked Tropical Shipping for its longstanding commitment to the program and the community. “We are deeply grateful for Tropical Shipping’s sustained investment in the Youth Ocean Explorers program and in the future of Virgin Islands youth,” George said. “Partnerships like this strengthen UVI’s ability to provide transformative educational experiences that inspire environmental stewardship, academic achievement and career exploration for the next generation.”
Several former participants have gone on to pursue higher education in STEM disciplines, including enrollment at UVI, where some now mentor younger students entering the program.
As UVI prepares for the Summer 2026 session, the University continues working with public and private partners to expand opportunities for youth engagement, ocean literacy and environmental stewardship throughout the Virgin Islands.
For more information about Youth Ocean Explorers, visit Youth Ocean Explorers or contact Howard Forbes at (340) 693-1674 or howard.forbes@uvi.edu
For media inquiries, contact pr@uvi.edu.
