The U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA) has announced that 12 students will graduate this week from a six-week summer program designed to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship among the territory’s youth. The graduation ceremony for this pilot summer program, EntrepreNow, will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 19, at Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef and Beach Resort, 5 Estate Bakkeroe, St. Thomas.
The brainchild of the Enterprise Zone Commission (EZC), EntrepreNow was established in July 2016 in partnership with the Office of the Territorial Public Defender of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Youth Arise, the local non-profit organization for young men between ages 15-19. EntrepreNow takes place on St. Thomas from July 11 through Aug. 19. EZC is an entity of the USVIEDA that is responsible for the revitalization of distressed neighborhoods that were once vibrant centers of economic activity in the territory.
The summer program was designed to assist young men in the Virgin Islands in learning how to set personal and career goals, build self-confidence, resolve conflict, prepare a resume, conduct a job search, create and implement a business plan, and focus on other life skills.
Selected through the V.I. Department of Human Services and the Office of the Territorial Public Defender of the U.S.V.I., the students have participated in a variety of sessions for their chosen career tracks during the six-week program. These career tracks included, but were not limited to, game designing, fashion design, plumbing and supplies, vehicle mechanics, restaurateur, and information technology. The students also participated in shadowing local entrepreneurs.
To learn more, contact Semele George, marketing and public relations specialist, at 714-1700, ext. 258.
