Junior Ocean Explorers

 

Logo for the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program

JUNIOR OCEAN EXPLORERS SUMMER PROGRAM

The Junior Ocean Explorers (JOE) Summer Program is a continuous, 3-week, hands-on summer enrichment program for youth interested in learning more about our environment. JOE operates as a marine science-focused, Learn to Swim Program for students in grades 3-6 (ages 6-12). Students enrolled in JOE learn and practice water safety skills, develop their swimming and snorkeling proficiencies, and use STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) to better understand the ocean and its inhabitants. Developing a safe, early childhood connection with the ocean and nature helps to build the foundation for environmental stewards and in the long-term, future STEM professionals.

"The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit." - Nelson Henderson

DONATE TO SUPPORT THE REGISTRATION COSTS FOR YOUTH TO ATTEND JOE

EXPERIENCE - DISCOVER - LEAD 

Get a snapshot of the 2026 JOE Summer Program below. 

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE JUNIOR OCEAN EXPLORERS SUMMER PROGRAM

 
JOE staff helping a student master the back float skill
Students practice their water safety skills in a safe environment which enables them to feel more comfortable exploring our oceans. Pictured here, JOE staff help a student master the back float skill, one of several water safety skills students learn throughout the program.
JOE student practicing their swimming ability
Students hone their swimming abilities during the program through a blended learning module that consists of short classroom presentations coupled with in-water practice of skills covered in the presentation. At its core, the curriculum is designed to be both fun and educational. 
JOE student snorkeling

Students build their confidence in the water to become better snorkelers. Throughout the program, students learn: 1) How to identify snorkeling gear, 2) How to defog your mask / clear your snorkel of water / safety while using snorkeling gear, and 3) Identify common marine flora and fauna.   

JOE staff using a microscope for students to get a closer look at coral polyps.
Students enrolled in the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program engage in a myriad of activities that also focus on using STEM to better understand the marine world. Pictured here, staff use microscopes to give students a closer look at what makes a coral an animal prior to snorkeling to explore a coral reef. 
JOE student planting mangroves

Students in JOE assist UVI researchers with important research efforts to better protect and understand our natural resources. Here, students are planting red mangroves to better support ecosystem biodiversity at a study site on Range Cay. Planting efforts began in November 2017 and continue to this day. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE. 

JOE 2027 Nighttime shoreline walk

During JOE, we invite students and their families to UVI's Center for Marine and Environmental Studies where they can be an Ocean Explorer for the night. Participants get to observe the "night crew" of animals housed in our sea water tables as well as patrolling the shoreline looking for wildlife.
All wildlife collected and housed in sea water tables at UVIs’ Center for Marine and Environmental Studies are permitted under DPNR Permit #DFW26028T.

 
 

JOE SUMMER PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Within this section, you can learn more about 1) Elligibity requirements for students interested in attending JOE, 2) What the overal program structure is like for both students and mentors, and 3) Important information on the registration, payment, and cancellation processes.  There's a lot to review but we feel it is important to have a thorough understanding of what to expect. 
  • Howard Forbes Jr. (M.Sc.) - JOE Program Director 
    JOE Lead Howard Forbes
  • Jarvon Stout - JOE Program Coordinator
    JOE Staff Jarvon
  • Amber Knight - Water Safety Instructor 
    JOE Team Member Amber
  • Zoe Banfield - Water Safety Instructor 
    Water Safety Instructor Zoe assisting students
  • JOE Mentors - This could be you! 
    JOE Mentors Evaluating Students' Performance
  • First preference is given to youth from and/or currently residing in the Virgin Islands
  • On average, 15 students are selected to particpate each summer.
  • Applicant should meet either of the below criteria to be eligible to participate:
    • Applicant was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, 
    • Applicant currently attends a school in the U.S. Virgin Islands (public, private, parochial, or homeschool),
    • Applicant has ties to the U. S. Virgin Islands through their immediate family, i.e. parent(s) are from the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is usually for cases where the applicant used to or no longer lives in the territory but may visit during the summer months.
  • Applicant may be too advanced for the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program if they are:
    • SCUBA certified (JOE is by design a Learn to Swim Program).
    • Already a strong / confident swimmer.
    • If you answered "YES" to any of the above statements, instead, consider applying for the Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program (grades 7-12 / ages 12-18). 
  • Open to youth in GRADES 3-6 (ages 6-12).
  • Should have an interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics).
  • Should have an interest in being in the outdoors (ocean, forests, nature, etc.).
  • Student MUST be able to attend the entire Session they registered for. Spaces are limited each year, so please plan your vacations accordingly if you wish to apply.
  • The Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program  is committed to increasing the representation of marginalized groups/communities within the geosciences (which includes marine science). 
  • To provide an affordable summer enrichment experience for Virgin Islands youth that improves their understanding of water safety, swimming fundamentals, and interest in STEM. 
  • At this time, the JOE Summer Program is only offered on St. Thomas.
  • Check back in January 2027 for more details. 
  • Students meet daily at UVI's Marine Science Center from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Snacks and other refreshments will be provided; selected students should bring their own meals each day. (Please be sure to indicate ALL known allergies of the applicant (if applicable) when applying).
  • Housing is not provided as this is NOT an overnight program.
  • Below is a cost breakdown of what is included in the $300 registration fee for the JOE Summer Program:
    • 20 hours of Red Cross Learn to Swim Instruction valued at $400 (This is calculated at $20/hour; students receive 2 hours of instruction each day for a total of 10 days).
    • Student gear valued at $50 (This can include the following: customized rash guard, swim goggles, reusable water bottle, notebook, stickers, etc.).
    • Equipment use valued at $50 which covers their general maintenance and upkeep (This includes snorkel equipment, kayaks, kickboards, etc.). 
  • Selected applicants will receive a rashguard and/or t-shirt they can wear throughout the program. 
  • Each day, applicants are encouraged to wear clothing that is comfortable for a tropical climate (shorts + t-shirt + shoes). 
  • For water-based activities, rashguards and water shoes are recommended; students can wear non-JOE rashguards as well.
  • Hats are provided; however, students can wear other hats if preferred. As we are in a tropical climate, students are encouraged to wear a hat when outdoors as well as apply reef-safe sunscreen. 
  • Students that have previously participated in our Youth Ocean Explorers (YOE) Summer Program are elligible to apply to be a JOE mentor.
  • JOE mentors assist the team with the facilitation of the program's activities. 
  • Mentors can receive Emergency First Responder (EFR) training prior to the start of the program. 
  • Selected mentors receive a monetary stipend at the conclusion of the program. 
  • Stipend amounts vary based on the students current education level (High School / Undergraduate / Graduate) and available funding for that year. 
  • Registration for JOE opens each year on JANUARY and closes firmly on APRIL 1.
  • Your application consists of two parts: the PARENT APPLICATION and the STUDENT APPLICATION. Both are required and should be received no later than APRIL 1. 
  • The STUDENT APPLICATION should be completed by the applicant; guidance may be sought. However, the answers provided to the questions contained in that application should reflect the student's own words (i.e. do not copy and paste language derived from online sources or CHATGPT).
  • Completed applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; once your application has been reviewed, you will be notified via the E-mail address provided in your application. From there, you can then proceed with processing payment for the sessions selected. Please do not pay any registration fees before receiving confirmation that your child/ren have been selected for participation.
  • Additional forms such as media releases and liability waivers will be shared with selected applicants prior to the start date of the program; please check your E-mail regularly as to not miss any important program information. 
  • The links to register can be found in the next section below.
  • A one-time registration fee of $300; payment should be received no later than May 1st.
  • Your registration is not complete until payment or the completed scholarship application have been received.
  • Payment can be made in person or over the phone with the cashiers at the Orville E. Kean (St. Thomas) UVI Campus (340-693-1437); forms of payment accepted include cash, check, or credit card. 
  • Scholarships are available for students who currently attend school in the U.S. Virgin Islands and can either be full or partial.
    • Full scholarships are available for students who currently attend a public school in the USVI. 
    • Partial scholarships are available for students who currently attend a private, parochial, or home schooling in the USVI.  
  • Selected scholarship awardees for the 2026 Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program must volunteer at a minimum of 1 community service event hosted by either VIMAS, VI-EPSCoR, or DPNR before DECEMBER 31 of the year the scholarship was awarded. Additional information about these events will be shared both during and after the program concludes. 
  • You can register for a scholarship by clicking HERE. The application consists of one short essay that the applicant should complete no later than May 1st. 
  • Students can withdraw prior to the start date of the program to receive a refund if:
    • 1 month or less to the start date of the program > half refund of all monies paid to date. 
    • More than 1 month to the start of the program > full refund of all monies paid to date. 
  • "I clicked the "APPLY" button and am now on a page where I am being asked to enroll at the University." - Unfortunately, the APPLY button found on the right side of this page is a standard feature on all UVI webpages and cannot be removed. If you click on that button, simply hit the "BACK" button on your browser to return to this page. Registration for the JOE Summer Program can be found below.
  • "I submitted an application but did not receive an E-mail notification." - Upon submitting an application, you should receive an automatic notification stating,
    Thank you for submitting an application to take part in the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program. This is confirmation that your Parent Application has been received. Please note that your application is NOT complete until you submit the Student Assessment Form. Should you have any questions or concerns in the interim, please do not hesitate to contact Program Director Howard Forbes Jr. @ 340-693-1674 (howard.forbes@uvi.edu). A follow up E-mail will be sent to update you on your application status. 
  • "I wanted to apply for a scholarship. How do I do that?" - Our team will E-mail selected applicants with information on how to register for a scholarship; please check your E-mail as to not miss these updates. 
  • "When do I process payment?" If you have been selected to participate in the JOE Summer Program, an E-mail will be sent to you with specific instructions on how you can process payment with the University's Cashier's Office. Please check your E-mail as to not miss any important updates.
  • "Why is this program only offered on St. Thomas?" These programs require a substantial amount of funding and personnel support to operate sufficiently. Currently, our operating budget only allows for us to coordinate this program on St. Thomas, though we are actively working on ways to obtain additional sources of funding. To offer these programs at the price we do requires external funding support; otherwise the registration fee which is currently at $300 will instead reflect the actual programmatic costs (~$1,000/child) which is not feasible for most USVI families.   

 

REGISTATION FOR THE 2026 JOE SUMMER PROGRAM IS CLOSED.

Please check back in January 2027 to register.

Let's get you registered for the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program.

  • ALL interested applicants are encouraged to review the information found under the "JOE SUMMER PROGRAM OVERVIEW" section as to familiarize yourself with the operating structure of the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program. 
  • New and returning applicants are required to complete both the PARENT and STUDENT forms which can be accessed below.
  • Applications will NOT be reviewed unless both forms are received. 
  • The STUDENT form should be completed by the applicant.
  • Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements (can be reviewed above under the Mentoring tab) can apply for the mentorship position. 
JOE students planting a variety of seeds from papaya, peppers, to red mangroves.

Click Here to Complete the Parent/Guardian Application

ST. THOMAS
This portion of the JOE application process should be completed by the parent or legal guardian and provides our team with important information such as the applicant's t-shirt / shoe size, known allergies, and emergency contact information. Both the Parent and Student Applications are required. Estimated time to complete ~ 5 minutes.
JOE mentor assisting a student complete a marine invertebrate scavenger hunt checklist.

Click Here to Complete the Student Application

ST. THOMAS
This last component of the JOE application should be completed by the applicant. It contains 2 short essay questions that will provide our team with a better understanding of an applicant's interest in the program and STEM. Both the Parent and Student Applications are required. Estimated time to complete ~ 1 - 2 hours.
JOE Mentors assisting students access one of UVI-CMES' boats.

Click Here to Complete the Mentor Application

ST. THOMAS
If you are interested in being a mentor or swim instructor for JOE, complete this application to join our team. Previous mentors have included high school, undergraduate, and graduate level students. Mentors assist with day-to-day activities, provide guidance and support to student participants, and are paid for their time.

 

CONTACT US!

OUR TEAM IS HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU.
Phone  Email Social Media 
340-693-1674 howard.forbes@uvi.edu

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Business Hours  Monday - Friday (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM )

 
Offices St. Thomas - UVI Center for Marine and Environmental Studies 

St. Croix - Albert A Sheen Campus