The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority recently participated in two impactful youth outreach events that brought financial literacy, role-playing, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning to life for students across the territory.
Through interactive activities and immersive simulations, students gained a deeper understanding of how energy and water systems support daily life — and the important role they themselves play as future community members, innovators, and utility customers.
At the Pathway to Purpose Youth Finance Summit on November 8, hosted by Aaliyah Boston at UVI on St. Thomas, 8th-grade students stepped into a “day in the life” as adults managing household responsibilities. As part of the simulation, WAPA representatives guided students through financial decision-making tied to energy use. Students learned to read electric meters, interpret utility bills, and even signed up for the Net Energy Billing program.
Students also role-played as WAPA employees, gaining firsthand insight into how the Authority supports the community. The experience reinforced the importance of financial literacy and responsible energy management, while giving students a meaningful look at real-world utility operations.
Yesterday, at the VI Youth Fun Quest on St. Croix hosted by the Virgin Islands Department of Education at Central High School, WAPA continued its hands-on approach with 4th- to 6th-grade students through a STEAM-focused activity station. Children learned how WAPA uses solar energy to power St. Croix, exploring fun facts about the Spanish Town, Petronella and Hogensborg solar farms.Students also learned how expanding solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, diversifies the territory’s energy sources, strengthens reliability, and moves the Virgin Islands toward a more sustainable future. They discovered additional practical uses of solar energy by learning how solar ovens work and taking home instructions to build their own.
The role-playing theme continued with WAPA’s water-focused demonstrations. Through a lively “leaky pipes” repair game, students acted as water maintenance crews. This immersive activity offered a new appreciation for the crews responsible for maintaining and protecting the territory’s water infrastructure.
“Hands-on learning and role-playing help students connect the dots between the services they rely on and the systems that make them possible,” shared Shanell Spencer, Director of Communications at WAPA. “We are proud to inspire future leaders and foster a deeper connection to the essential services our teams provide.”
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s Department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.
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