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Education & Workforce Development

Pillar III, Education and Workforce Development, focuses on empowering underserved communities in the U.S. Virgin Islands through environmental education, job training, and workforce development. Programs like the Environmental Changemaker, GRROE Mangroves, Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism, and Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative provide hands-on experiences in climate-resilient land and water management, coral and mangrove restoration, and conservation practices. These initiatives aim to build local capacity, retain Virgin Islanders in the territory, and foster long-term careers in environmental science and engineering. By engaging youth, students, and young adults, Pillar III ensures a sustainable and inclusive approach to climate resilience and adaptation

 

Environmental Change Makers

The St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA) empowers local youth through its Environmental Changemakers Program, a hands-on leadership initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards. Through immersive experiences like field trips, community projects, and interactive workshops, teens explore climate issues, conservation strategies, and the cultural significance of their island’s ecosystems. By combining science, storytelling, and civic engagement, the program equips participants with the knowledge and tools to advocate for a more sustainable and resilient U.S. Virgin Islands.
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GRROE USVI Mangroves

Growing Resilience Restoration Outreach and Education (GRROE) leads mangrove conservation efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands through education, research, and hands-on restoration. By training students, ecotourism workers, and community leaders, GRROE builds local capacity for coastal resilience. Their work protects vital habitats, reduces flood risk, and empowers future environmental stewards. Healthy mangroves forests buffer storms, filter runoff, support fisheries, and are essential to the islands’ long-term environmental and economic stability.
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Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism

Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT) trains and employs local youth through its Climate Corps program to restore and maintain public parklands across the U.S. Virgin Islands. By building trails, planting food forests, and restoring mangroves, amongst many other activities, CHANT preserves cultural heritage and builds long-term community resilience to climate and environmental challenges. These efforts create meaningful career pathways in conservation while connecting the next generation to the land and history of their islands.
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Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative

Based in ST. Thomas, CWORI is a nonprofit focused on restoring and protecting the U.S. Virgin Islands’ coral reefs. Working from Coral World Ocean Park, the team propagates and outplants nursery-grown corals to rebuild reef habitats, protect coastlines, and support local fisheries. CWORI also trains and employs Virgin Islanders in reef restoration, creating lasting local capacity for marine conservation and climate resilience.

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