OPENING DOORS
Programs
Project Promise’s programs are all about opening doors for our at-risk youth in St. Croix, in order to uplift, educate and empower them. Our holistic approach provides many opportunities for positive change, while our nurturing environment provides a safe place in which youth can get the tools and support they need to live healthier, happier and more successful lives.
Robotics Program
Robotics is a huge, growing, and fascinating field, as many industries are pushing to increase efficiency through automation. Our Robotics programs foster creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, setting participants up for success in future STEM careers. The hands-on experience students gain in these programs helps them build confidence and practical skills that are highly valued in today’s technology-driven world. By engaging with real-world challenges, participants learn to innovate and collaborate, preparing them to become leaders in tomorrow’s workforce.
ROBOTICS CLUB:
The Robotics After School Program is held twice a week at John H Woodson Junior High School. It provides students with hands-on opportunities to explore the exciting world of robotics and STEM. Participants engage in creative problem-solving, coding, and engineering challenges while working collaboratively in teams to design, build, and program robots. This dynamic program aims to inspire curiosity, build technical skills, and foster confidence, preparing students for future success in technology-driven fields. Select Robotics Club members may be invited to join Project Promise’s Robotics Team.
ROBOTICS TEAM:
Since 2023, Project Promise has officially been invited to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands at the FIRST Global Challenge. This prestigious Olympics-style robotics competition brings together one team of high school students from every nation with an Olympic committee, uniting youth from across the globe in the spirit of science, technology, and collaboration. Participation in the FIRST Global Challenge is more than a competition—it is a life-changing educational journey that fosters teamwork, innovation, and cultural exchange.
The 2026 FIRST Global Challenge will take place in Incheon, Republic of Korea!
PROJECT PROMISE ROBOTICS TEAM SINGAPORE '23
PROJECT PROMISE ROBOTICS TEAM ATHENS '24
PROJECT PROMISE ROBOTICS TEAM PANAMA '25
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. Selected students meet with staffers after school on a daily basis from fifth-grade 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:
YEAR TEN: Currently working with the 2nd Cohort of Students.
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
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.
School Visit
Post-park activity and Q & A;
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
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.
School Visit
Post-park activity and Q & A;
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 2026 AWARDEES
JOHN PULA | St. Croix Educational Complex
John Pula is a senior attending St Croix Educational Complex and holds a cumulative GPA of 87.63. John aspires to become a commercial pilot. The excitement of flight and the technical challenges of aviation motivate him to keep learning and exceed his own expectations. John’s passion for acting and voice work draws him to the art of storytelling and the opportunity to bring characters to life in a variety of settings. Exploring interests like Drama Club, aviation, and computer programming has helped John develop confidence, creativity, and valuable skills that prepare him for a dynamic future.
MARIAH CHARLES | St. Croix Central High School
Mariah Charles is currently a senior at St Croix Central High School and holds a cumulative GPA of 3.9. Mariah’s future goals include graduating with a bachelor’s degree in engineering science and then joining the United States Navy as an officer, where she can apply her technical expertise and leadership skills in a service-oriented environment. Mariah is a dedicated student-athlete, actively participating in volleyball and softball, which have significantly contributed to her discipline and teamwork abilities. Beyond athletics, Mariah is deeply involved in extracurricular pursuits such as Interact Club, NAF, JROTC, Yearbook Club, serving as Class Historian and National Honor Society member, and using her creative talents as a photographer, video editor, and Public Relations Officer for Ladies of Distinction.
AUSTIN TUTEIN | St. Croix Career & Technical Education Center
Austin Tutein is currently a senior at St Croix Career & Technical Education Center, and his current cumulative GPA is 3.5. Austin’s future goal is to use his trade in Millwright to pursue a rewarding and practical career. The sport he is most passionate about is football, which allows him to stay active and engaged. Additionally, Austin participates in the Upper Bound Program at the University of the Virgin Islands as part of his extra- curricular activities, further supporting his academic and personal growth.
The Nature Conservancy “Coral Conservation” Program
The Coral Conservation Program offers public school sixth grade students the opportunity to visit and learn about The Nature Conservancy’s USVI Coral Innovation Hub, an aquaculture facility where they are growing corals for planting on reefs around St. Croix. Participating students experience the project firsthand and learn about the vital importance of coral reefs to our islands.
Through the partnership with The Nature Conservancy, Project Promise arranges transportation and covers school insurance fees for students if needed. To date, school insurance fees for 311 students have been covered. This opportunity is made possible with support from the NOAA Restoration Center, U.S. Department of Commerce.
Empowered Me
The Empowered Me Saturday Program was a holistic enrichment initiative designed to equip youth ages 10 to 18 with the tools and attitudes necessary for lifelong success.
During each 12-week session, age-specific classes and activities focused on six core programming pillars:
- Financial Literacy
- Personal Wellness
- Career Exploration
- Creative Expression
- Cultural Awareness
- Community Service
*** THIS PROGRAM IS NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED ***
