Education & Workforce Development

Problem

Nearly a decade after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, school reconstruction continues to lag. At the same time, many young Virgin Islanders lack safe, structured places to learn, play, build relationships, and stay engaged outside of school hours, resulting in fewer positive outlets and support systems.

Solution

• Fast-track rebuild of our schools
• Reopen housing community centers across the territory as safe, accessible spaces offering year round programs and youth development activities in partnership with schools and community organizations.

Impact

Modern schools and year-round spaces for children to grow.

Problem

Too many children enter kindergarten unprepared, contributing to low reading and math proficiency, higher dropout rates, and long-term workforce gaps. Only 9.6% of 4th graders are proficient in reading and just 2.4% of 8th graders are proficient in math (2022/23 Kids Count Data).

Solution

Refocus a large percentage of federal funding for early childhood education initiatives to ensure every 4-year-old enters kindergarten ready to succeed.

• Align standards across Head Start and private daycare providers
• Invest in educators, curriculum, and early learning facilities to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction territory-wide.

Impact

Stronger academic outcomes, reduced dropout rates, lower long-term social costs, and a better-prepared future workforce.

Problem

A number of jobs exist across trades and technical fields, but many Virgin Islanders lack access to training, certification, or clear pathways to employment.

Solution

Expand Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs aligned with high-demand industries such as construction, energy, healthcare, and technology.

• Partner with employers to create job-linked training pipelines
• Provide subsidized certification and licensing support for local talent
• Activate internships and apprenticeships for UVI and CTE students.
• Incentivize companies to hire and retain certified Virgin Islanders through targeted tax and workforce programs.

Impact

Higher wages for residents, reduced reliance on imported labor, faster project delivery, and more dollars staying in the local economy.

Problem

Cognitive, academic, and behavioral challenges in children often go unidentified until they become crises, with agencies operating in silos and missing early warning signs.

Solution

Relaunch and scale Virgin Islands Virtual Information System (VIVIS) as an integrated child tracking and support system.

• Connect key departments and agencies
• Track key indicators from birth through adulthood, including academic performance, health, and behavioral data
• Implement coordinated wraparound services for at-risk youth.

Impact

Earlier intervention, improved academic and life outcomes, reduced delinquency, lower long-term social costs, and stronger, more supported families.