The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority visited the St. Croix Educational Complex on Tuesday as part of the school’s STEM Summer Program, engaging middle school students in hands-on activities and career exploration designed to introduce them to essential roles in water and power delivery across the territory, the authority announced in a press release.
WAPA professionals from the Communications, Line, and Information Technology departments met with 23 students from grades 6 through 8, sharing personal career stories and highlighting the many disciplines involved in supporting critical infrastructure in the Virgin Islands, according to the press release.
Students were introduced to the territory’s power infrastructure — from how electricity is generated, including through increasing use of solar energy, to how it is transmitted and distributed. Lineworkers were spotlighted as key players in the process, responsible for maintaining and repairing the power lines and poles that connect homes and businesses to electricity. The session provided students with a deeper understanding of the technical, hazardous, and highly coordinated work required to keep the grid running, the press release stated.
In addition to energy systems, students explored the evolution of water infrastructure, tracing its development from early wooden pipes to modern PVC systems. The session challenged them to think critically about how future technologies might improve water delivery and sustainability, the release stated.
A highlight of the visit was the interactive “Leaky Pipe Water Challenge,” in which students were divided into teams to simulate repairing a damaged pipe. The exercise emphasized real-world problem-solving and reinforced skills in teamwork, communication, and critical thinking, while encouraging awareness of issues such as water loss, the release stated.
“We are proud to inspire the next generation of engineers, technicians, communicators, and IT professionals,” said Shanell Petersen, director of Communications at WAPA. “These students represent our future, and we are committed to providing them with opportunities to learn, explore, and envision themselves in careers that make a difference in our community and, potentially, the world.”
According to the authority, the summer camp visit is part of WAPA’s broader commitment to community engagement, education, and workforce development. By reaching students early, WAPA hopes to spark interest in STEM pathways and help build a knowledgeable, locally rooted workforce for the Virgin Islands.
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