A delegation of University of the Virgin Islands students, led by President Dr. Safiya George, senior faculty and administrative leaders, traveled to Washington, D.C. last week, to participate in the inaugural UVI Day on Capitol Hill—a strategic initiative that advances one of the core goals of UVI’s GRAND Momentum Strategic Plan to create more experiential learning and leadership development opportunities for students. Designed as an immersive learning experience, the initiative offered students an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with members of Congress and their staff, observe the federal legislative process, deepen their understanding of civic engagement and strengthen their advocacy skills for UVI on a national stage.

As the only Historically Black College and University and land-grant institution located outside the continental United States, UVI students emphasized how the University’s distinctive geographic and cultural context broadens national dialogues on higher education, while also drawing attention to the unique challenges that accompany this position.

Students also used the opportunity to discuss how shifts in national policies are shaping their educational experiences and UVI’s broader mission. They recognized the University’s ongoing success in strengthening academic programs and expanding research capacity, while also offering thoughtful insights into the impact of reduced higher education and research funding, the challenges faced by international students from neighboring Caribbean islands, and the unique barriers confronting the territory.

Developed in partnership with Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, the initiative provided students with first-hand exposure to national leadership, policymaking and career pathways in public service. “UVI Day on Capitol Hill” marks the beginning of what the University hopes will become an annual initiative to prepare the next generation of Virgin Islands leaders through immersive learning experiences in the nation’s capital. Eleven students from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences participated in the trip, including undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students from both campuses and UVI Online.

“Despite the uncertainty created by the current government shutdown, it was a pleasure to welcome President Dr. Safiya George, students, and faculty from the University of the Virgin Islands to our nation’s capital, and it served as a powerful reminder of why representation matters at every level of government—especially during times like these,” said Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett. “These bright, engaged students deserve representation. As the future leaders of the Virgin Islands, they must see themselves in Congress and recognize their power to shape policies that impact our community. As the only HBCU and land-grant institution outside the continental United States, UVI holds a vital position in our nation’s higher education landscape. I am committed to ensuring our students have equal access to experiential learning, leadership development, and career opportunities as their mainland peers. This partnership reflects my office’s ongoing commitment to investing in our young people and ensuring the Virgin Islands has a meaningful voice at the table shaping our Territory’s future,” Plaskett continued.

“This visit represents the kind of global exposure and experiential learning that define a UVI education,” said President George. “Our students are gaining real-world understanding of how government works, how advocacy shapes policy and how their voices can make a difference on issues that matter to the Virgin Islands and beyond. We are sincerely grateful to Congresswoman Plaskett and her team for their partnership and for providing our students with such an extraordinary opportunity to engage directly with national leaders.”

During the visit, students toured the U.S. Capitol led by Congresswoman Plaskett and her staff, learning firsthand how laws are passed while seated in the Senate Chamber. They also met with U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock and attended briefings with staffers from the offices of U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, U.S. Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, and U.S. Congresswoman Alma Adams, who support committees including the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Discussions centered on higher education funding, workforce development, career pathways, and the federal role in supporting the Virgin Islands. Amid a government shutdown, students gained a rare, real-time perspective on how federal operations are affected, deepening their understanding of the complexities and resilience of the legislative process.

Students also participated in a networking luncheon with Victor Santos of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and members of Congresswoman Plaskett’s team, where they learned about national advocacy efforts on behalf of HBCUs, the congressional office’s work representing the U.S. Virgin Islands, stages of the legislative process, and pathways for student engagement through internships. The visit also included a meeting with Basil Ottley, Associate Director for Policy for the USVI at the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs, for an in-depth discussion on federal-territorial relations.

The itinerary included visits to The Washington Center, a UVI partner institution that offers internships and leadership development programs in D.C., and the McCain Institute for International Leadership with Arizona State University, where students discussed ethics, democracy and global leadership. Another trip highlight was a visit to Amazon Web Services Skills Center in Arlington, Virginia, where students explored AI and machine learning technology and learned about careers in the field.

Students described the trip as inspirational. Jason Haynes, a student in the PhD program, said, “Our visit to D.C. was more than a trip. It was a transformative experience that ignited a sense of unity and purpose among us as emerging leaders of the Virgin Islands.”

UVI senior and Criminal Justice major, Samber Challenger added, “This has been a trip full of learning opportunities and exciting moments. Sitting on the House Floor and learning the intimate details of how the process works was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am truly amazed, edified, and grateful!”

Darin Connor, a Psychology and Political Science major, reflected, “It was absolutely breathtaking to be able to sit and speak with political giants who are the movers and shakers of the world we wish to see.”

Supporting the delegation’s success was Dr. Una Dyer, vice president for Strategic Affairs, who led coordination with Congressional leaders and partner organizations to design the visit’s impactful agenda, Ms. Jessica LaPlace, who directed on-site logistics and support, and two faculty members, Dr. Kula Francis, associate professor of Political Science and Dr. Molly Perry, associate professor of History and Geography, who ensured that students benefited from expert guidance that connected classroom learning to real-world policy discussions.

“Our students represented the very best of our mission at UVI ‘to educate and empower the US Virgin Islands, the Caribbean and the world through an environment that promotes creativity, innovation and excellence,’” said Perry. “These students represent an emerging generation of leadership who will continue this important advocacy as they launch their careers.”

While in D.C., students engaged with Adrianne Todman, former Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, on leadership and public service, and participated in cultural excursions to the city’s national monuments and museums that reinforced lessons on democracy and civic identity.

For more information about UVI’s academic programs and experiential learning opportunities, visit www.uvi.edu.