Alpine is proud to announce its sponsorship of Charlotte Amalie High School student Jonathan Tucker, who has once again been selected to participate in the nationally acclaimed STEMM Prep Project.
Jonathan, a rising 10th grader, will spend seven weeks this summer conducting advanced scientific research at the University of Pennsylvania. His participation in the competitive STEMM internship is part of a long-term academic track offered by the nonprofit Distance Learning Center (DLC), designed to prepare high-achieving, underrepresented minority students for leadership in STEMM fields.
“Supporting Jonathan isn’t just about this summer—it’s about investing in the future of the Virgin Islands,” said Vernon Araujo, Director of Philanthropy at Alpine Securities. “We are committed to creating opportunities for young people to realize their potential and lead in the spaces that matter most—science, innovation, and community development.”
Last year, Jonathan’s work focused on cutting-edge cancer immunotherapy, comparing Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptor Chimeric Antigen Receptor (KIR-CAR) T cells with traditional CAR-T cells. This year, he’ll build on that experience with new mentorship from university researchers and continued hands-on lab work.
The STEMM Prep Project begins as early as seventh grade, and students return annually through college, conducting research at major institutions across the country. The program boasts a 100% college matriculation rate, with over 80% of alumni pursuing careers in science or medicine. Its graduates have gone on to prestigious institutions like Stanford University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
“STEMMPREP has one of the highest success rates in the country,” said Dr. Moses Williams, founder of the program. “Our goal is to build a national pipeline of talented minority students ready to lead in STEMM fields.”
Alpine’s sponsorship ensures that Jonathan has access to this transformative experience, alongside fellow Virgin Islands student Naitik Jhanwar of All Saints Cathedral School, who is supported by RapierMed. “Our investment in these students is part of our long-term commitment to science, innovation, and the Virgin Islands,” said Allena Clifford, Business Support Manager at RapierMed. “Naitik represents the kind of visionary thinking that will define the next generation of medical and scientific leaders.”
Naitik’s project focused on the Enterococcus bacteria found in the human gut and their role in infectious disease. “It gave me a lab experience that I can never forget,” said Naitik.
To learn more about the Distance Learning Center and the STEMM Prep Project, visit https://thedistancelearningcenter.org.
About Alpine
Founded in 2008, Alpine is a financial firm based in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, specializing in investment management services. Beyond finance, Alpine is deeply committed to supporting education, youth development, and community advancement throughout the territory.
About RapierMed
RapierMed is a global investment firm committed to restoring compassion in healthcare through strategic investments in life sciences and medical technology. Its broader portfolio spans multiple sectors, driven by a disciplined approach focused on delivering consistent, risk-adjusted returns
