Programs

Programs

Robotics Club

Robotics is a huge, growing and fascinating field, as many industries are pushing to increase efficiency through automation. Robotics can also be a very rewarding and well-paying career. If your teen wants to get a head start exploring robotics through a fun, hands-on program, they’ll love Project Promise’s Robotics Club!

WHAT IS THE ROBOTICS CLUB?

The Robotics Club is a year-round opportunity for local teens age 14 and up to learn about robotics, including getting hands-on experience assembling and programming a robot. Based on participation, attitude, skill and other factors, some Robotics Club members will be invited to join Project Promise’s Robotics Team.

WHEN AND WHERE DOES THE ROBOTICS CLUB MEET?

The Robotics Club meets every Saturday except on holiday weekends, at Project Promise’s downtown Christiansted facility, at 10 ABC Queen Street, Christiansted, VI.

Note: The first meeting will be in Spring 2025.

HOW DO YOU SIGN UP?

Contact Resa O’Reilly Shearn at 340-513-0446, to sign your child(ren) up for the class.

PROJECT PROMISE ROBOTICS TEAM SINGAPORE '23

PROJECT PROMISE ROBOTICS TEAM ATHENS '24

The Caterpillar Project

8 YEARS OF SUPPORT

The Caterpillar Project is a long-term program designed to make a significant difference in the lives of at-risk youth in St. Croix. The Project’s initial pilot group of selected fifth-grade students meet with staffers after school on a daily basis through high school and into college. The Caterpillar Project is a positive “support system” for these youth, and will provide close ties to adults who take a personal interest in their growth and development.

THIS HOLISTIC PROGRAM INCLUDES:

LIFE COACHING

Weekly one-on-one sessions with a trained life coach to build self-esteem, vision, hope and self-worth; and help participants learn how to set and achieve goals. The Life Coaching component promotes personal and social growth, thus helping the youth become more responsible and accountable, and ultimately lead fulfilling and purposeful lives.

MENTORING

Similar to a “Big Brother/Big Sister” program, participants are carefully matched with rigorously screened, trained, and supervised volunteer mentors, who each commit to at least one year of service. Bi-weekly one-on-one meetings and an evidence-based mentoring program provide consistent encouragement and guidance to help youth get and stay on the right path.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Learning to give of yourself to help others is an integral part of the growth process. Participants take part in meaningful projects focused on the revitalization of our community. These projects also function as team-building activities, which foster responsibility and self-esteem, and help youth develop a stronger sense of attachment to our community.

EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION

Designed to supplement classroom instruction, the Educational Intervention component uses an individualized approach to help students achieve grade-level proficiency in reading and math, approach learning in a different way, and reach their full academic potential overall.

CAREER EXPLORATION

Participants receive support identifying, researching, and exploring their career/vocational interests. The curriculum motivates youth to plan for their future and acquire the skills and credentials needed for career success. Whenever possible, participants are also paired with rigorously-screened volunteers to gain hands-on experience in the field.

PERSONAL WELLNESS

Interactive activities teach participants mindfulness techniques (such as breathing techniques, progressive relaxation, meditation and yoga), how to make good food choices, preventative health information, and more. Ultimately the Personal Wellness component helps strengthen character and self-discipline.

CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Starting with group activities and eventually expanding to activities based on individual student interest, this component engages participants in the creative process and builds confidence and self-esteem through art. Youth get the opportunity to do something positive with their time and talents, and learn how to channel their energies towards a positive outcome.

CULTURAL AWARENESS

Many of our youth know little to nothing about the Virgin Islands’ rich cultural heritage. The Cultural Awareness component uses fun, hands-on activities and numerous field trips to explore St. Croix’s vibrant past. Participants are introduced to the Virgin Islands’ traditional foods, music, dances, natural resources, literature, and history.

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

The Family Support component links participants’ parents with needed resources. It also gives parents the tools to effectively communicate with and participate in their children’s lives. To remove barriers to participation, transportation to and from the evening meetings, a healthy meal, and child care for younger children are provided.

YEAR EIGHT: 2nd Cohort-Caterpillar Project is on the way.

Salt River Bay’s

“Open Outdoors For Kids” Program

The Open Outdoors for Kids Program offers every public school fourth grade student the opportunity to visit and learn about the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. The three-point program includes an introductory powerpoint presentation to the park at the school, followed by an on-site park tour, and a post-experience in-class visit by the instructor to review what was learned.

The Visitor Center Tour introduces students to Salt River Bay’s incredible history. They explore Taino culture by viewing artifacts and a PowerPoint presentation. They also discover the story of Columbus’ encounter, where it occurred, and learn about Taino cosmology in a craft-making exercise. Students tour the west side of the park and learn about the natural resources through ranger led activities. During the post-experience visit to the school, students participate in a question and answer session about Salt River Bay’s historical and natural significance.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

School Visit

Pre-park activity

Power point presentation

School Visit

Post-park activity and Q & A;

Field Trip

Students should bring lunch, hats, sneakers and shoes that can get wet.

Transportation is provided/arranged by the Project Promise, pick-up time is 8:15am, drop off time is no later than 2:00pm.

Buck Island

"Ticket to Ride"

Program

The Buck Island Program offers every public school fifth grade student the opportunity to visit and learn about the Buck Island Reef National Monument. The three-point program includes an introductory powerpoint presentation to the park at the school, followed by an on-site park tour, and a post-experience in-class visit by the instructor to review what was learned.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

School Visit

Pre-park activity

Power point presentation

School Visit

Post-park activity and Q & A;

Field Trip

Students should bring lunch, hats, sneakers and shoes that can get wet and swimwear for a water activity.

Transportation is provided/arranged by the Project Promise, pick-up time is 8:15am, drop off time is no later than 2:00pm.

Excellence & Leadership Recognition Program

The Excellence & Leadership Recognition Program is designed to acknowledge and recognize three outstanding public high school seniors; one senior from each high school who have gone above and beyond, despite all odds. The Excellence & Leadership Recognition Award is presented to students who demonstrated leadership qualities during their high school years. The Excellence and Leadership Recognition Awards is an extension of Project Promise’s commitment and dedication to the youth of St. Croix.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Any public high school senior who has maintained a 3.2 GPA, or higher.

Any public high school senior who has demonstrated integrity even in the face of adversity.

AWARD CRITERIA

Students who have demonstrated leadership qualities during their high school years.

Students who have proven to be excellent role models, willing to go above and beyond to serve others.

Students who have shown themselves to be committed, dedicated and diligent in working toward a positive future.

MEET 2025 AWARDEES

TIERA POLANCO

St. Croix Educational Complex Tiera Polanco is a senior attending St Croix Educational Complex and holds a cumulative GPA of 91.893%. Tiera is currently a Science and Math Quiz Bowl Member, Science Honor Society Member, in the Close-Up Program, National Youth Leadership Forum and Ladies of Distinction. Tiera aspires to become a Computer Engineer with a background in Aerospace Engineering.

MALACHI SEALEY

St. Croix Career & Technical Education Center Malachi Sealey is currently a senior at St Croix Career & Technical Education Center and his current cumulative GPA is 82%. Malachi enjoys playing sports, particularly Basketball and Baseball. Mr. Sealey is currently a Member of the National Technical Honor Society. After graduation, he plans to join the military

and eventually study Computer Engineering.

N’ZIERA GORDON

St. Croix Central High School N’ziera Gordon is currently a senior at St Croix Central High School and holds a cumulative GPA of 94.704%. N’ziera is a part of National Honor Society, National Honor Society for CTECH. Fun fact, N’ziera made her acting debut in a local production, Bulletproof Dreams. In her free time, N’ziera enjoys being a St. Croix Majorette, her plans are to become a pediatrician.