U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (February 21, 2025) – To wrap up National Engineers Week, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or the “Authority”) returned to Bertha C. Boschulte (BCB) Middle School to host an engaging solar energy event for students. The WAPA Communications team led an interactive session where students made s'mores using a DIY solar oven while learning about the benefits of renewable energy and the vital role engineers play in developing projects like the three solar farms in the territory.
Through hands-on learning and discussions, students gained insight into the importance of sustainability and the career opportunities available in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). WAPA hopes events like these will inspire the next generation to consider careers in STEM and help shape the future of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“At WAPA, we recognize that the future of the U.S. Virgin Islands depends on the bright minds of today’s students,” stated Shanell Petersen, Director of Communications, WAPA. “By engaging with young learners through hands-on experiences like the solar energy project at BCB, we aim to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.”
In addition to outreach at the middle school level, WAPA Human Resources, Information Technology (IT) and Communications teams, alongside WAPA engineers, also attended the Central High School Career Awareness Fair yesterday. At the CHS Career Awareness Fair, WAPA actively engaged with high school students about the summer internship opportunities available and encouraged senior applications for the Alva C. McFarlane Scholarship. This scholarship provides substantial financial aid to students pursuing careers in engineering, technology, and other critical fields:
Bachelor’s Degrees – Up to $80,000 in funding
Associate’s/Technical Degrees – Up to $30,000 in funding
Eligible students are encouraged to apply before the deadline, February 28, 2025. Applications must be submitted online via the
online portal. For scholarship inquiries, please contact Tracie Wells, Assistant Director of Human Resources, WAPA, at tracie.wells@viwapa.vi.
As WAPA continues investing in future talent, the Authority also invites qualified candidates to apply for open engineering positions. These roles offer opportunities to contribute to impactful projects that strengthen the territory’s energy and water infrastructure.
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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