Welcome to the
USVI HUB
Hello from the U.S. Virgin Islands!
We are excited to offer this opportunity to USVI youth who wish to remain in or return to their island home.
The Navigating Home USVI Hub is a partnership between the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and territorial partners, like the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), the National Park Service, and The Nature Conservancy, among others.
“This program provides opportunities for Virgin Islanders to pursue careers in STEM in the U.S. Virgin Islands and builds on the strong relationships we have developed over many years with partners, like the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, who provide placements for graduates. Often these turn into full-time positions, which is the program’s long-term goal,” said project lead, Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes of UVI’s Center for Marine and Environmental Studies.
“If it wasn’t for this Fellowship I probably wouldn’t have applied for my Masters program. This experience has really encouraged me into the right direction...it’s the push I needed.”
Current Workforce Fellows
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Chloé Camacho
Long-term Fellow mentored by Dr. Marilyn Brandt, University of the Virgin Islands.
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Miranda Goad
Short-term Fellow mentored by Dr. Richard Nemeth, University of the Virgin Islands.
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Larissa Sweeney
Long-term Fellow mentored by Kristin Ewen, National Park Service.
Let’s create change together.
We are recruiting Workforce Fellows and Engaging Hosts.
Positions are available for 2-3 Short-term Fellows and 1-2 Long-Term Fellows per year.
To be eligible for this program, applicants must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, be from the U.S. Virgin Islands (e.g., graduated from a Virgin Islands high school) and be Black, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander or other group underrepresented in the geosciences (American Indian or Alaska Native, veterans, first-generation college students, individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, non-binary or gender non-conforming individuals, and or differently abled individuals).
Applicants must be experienced and interested in marine, environmental, sustainability science or engineering and able to show proof of local residency prior to post-secondary education (e.g. high school diploma). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and positions open until filled.
Short-term Fellowships (2.5 months):
Stipend
One-way airfare to return to VI (up to $500)
Mental Health first aid training
One-on-one or small group mentoring
Mentoring workshops
Science communication and public engagement training with the University of Utah STEM Ambassador Program
Travel monies support to present at and attend the Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation or the National Diversity in STEM Conference put on by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
Additional monies for materials and supplies to support the fellowship
Funding to pursue a professional development opportunity that supports career goals and the fellowship placement
Long-Term Fellowships (1 – 2 years):
The benefits listed above
Health insurance and retirement benefits as UVI employees
Purchase of a computer (this must be returned to the program at the end of the fellowship)
Stipend to support moving expenses (reimbursable with receipts)
Are you interested in hosting a Workforce Fellow?
Be part of an initiative that plays a crucial role in advancing diversity, inclusion, and participation in the geosciences within the U.S. territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our grant will fund airfare and an annual salary. We want you, the host agency, to help us gather students interested in marine, environmental sustainability sciences or engineering and give them the chance to start their career at home.
Become A Fellow
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Mentor A Fellow
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Become A Fellow ✳︎ Mentor A Fellow ✳︎
MEET THE USVI TEAM
