The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has announced that a total of $73,000 in Education Enrichment Grants has been awarded to educators to enhance learning opportunities for the territory’s students.
In the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria, education in the U.S.V.I. has been disrupted, as schools were damaged/destroyed and countless students and faculty were displaced. Recognizing great need across educational settings, the enrichment grant opportunity was made available to local schools serving grades Pre-K through 12th. This is the largest single cycle of teacher grants made by CFVI to date, and it will enable students and local schools to take one step closer to recovery.
Funding for these offerings was made possible by a generous grant from Fundación Banco Popular (through the Puerto Rico Abraza a las Islas campaign), with additional support from Island Foundation Inc., the Annie E. Casey Foundation and CFVI.
“We are thrilled to be providing critical support to the hardworking teachers and staff who – despite the challenges since the storms – are seeking to enhance their instruction and provide students with enriching experiences this school year,” said Dee Baecher-Brown, CFVI president. “We are honored to partner to provide the educational resources our children need to succeed in and out of the classroom.”
Recipients of the 2017-2018 enrichment grants include 20 teachers and professionals working in 14 schools and pre-schools across the territory. These grants ranged from $500-$5,000 to support projects and programs covering a variety of subjects and topics, including literacy, the arts, physical education, reading, writing and cultural immersion.
Grants were awarded on a competitive basis for projects that sought to enrich students’ educational experiences and outcomes.
“We are pleased to help and contribute to the education of our young people in the Virgin Islands,” said Oran C. Bowry, senior vice president and division manager of the Virgin Islands Region of Banco Popular.
“For Popular and Fundación Banco Popular, education is the best investment tool we can make for the future of generations. We are proud to support organizations like the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, and we hope to continue working together to create a better tomorrow,” Bowry said.
Education Enrichment Grants were awarded on a competitive basis for projects that sought to enrich students’ educational experiences/outcomes. Proposals that represented collaborative endeavors — e.g., public-private partnerships or schools sharing split session programming — were given priority during the review process.
2017-2018 Education Enrichment Grant Recipients
Althea Albanzas, Lockhart Elementary, St. Thomas: Reconstructing Therapeutic Kindergarten to March 21st Century Classrooms
Thelca Bedminister, Jane E. Tuitt Primary, St Thomas: Dancing in the Rain: Learning How to Weather the Storms Through Dance
Jenny Brathwaite, St. Croix Central H.S., St. Croix: JAG Internship; On the Job Training
Joan Castor Willock, Woodson Jr. H.S., St. Thomas: AVID Tutorials (Enrichment)
Kisha Corbett, Jane E. Tuitt Primary, St. Thomas: My Neighborhood
Jacqueline Francis, Jane E. Tuitt Primary, St. Thomas: Empowering the English Language Learners
Linda Garvin, St. Patrick’s School, St. Croix: Reading Jump Up Program
Matthew Hamilton-Kraft, Boschulte Middle School, St. Thomas: Young Voices of the V.I. / BCB Middle School Global Citizenship/Leadership and College Prep Program
Katrina Hamilton-Kraft, Kean H.S., St Thomas: Kean-BCB Mentoring
Paula Heller, AZ Academy, St. Croix: Unlocking Student Talent- Using Assessment to Drive Instruction
Laurise Oliver, Henderson School, St. Croix: Hurricane Maria’s Adventures!
Marlon Parohinog, Julius Sprauve School, St. John: It’s Hip to Be Fit in JESS
Kerish Robles, Kean H.S., St Thomas: Culinary Expansions – Culinary Arts Program
Cherrie Saliot-Warner, Kean H.S., St Thomas: Life Skills Program for Students with Special Needs
Mackisha St. Prix, Leap and Learn Academy, St. Croix: Increasing Literacy Through Unique Experiences
Karissa Thurland-Perez, Andrews Elementary, St. Croix: Enhancing Literacy and Math
Eli Torres, St. Croix Central H.S., St. Croix: Educational and Cultural Trip to Puerto Rico 2017
Kristina Torres, St. Croix Montessori, St. Croix: Healthy Play Spaces
Kimbolie Torres, Ulla Muller Elementary, St. Thomas: Y.E.S. (Youth Experiencing STEAM)
Merle Vanterpool, Lockhart Elementary, St. Thomas: Early Act/Reader’s Theater/Environmental Clubs
