Students from across the U.S. Virgin Islands will have the opportunity to attend Space Camp this year through scholarships funded by RapierMed, a contribution supporters say will help expand access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education for local youth.
The scholarships will cover all program costs for participating students, allowing them to attend Space Camp’s Advanced Space Academy, where they will take part in astronaut training, engineering challenges and mission simulations designed to develop leadership, technical skills and problem-solving abilities, a press release announced.
At the academy, students are introduced to potential academic and career pathways in aerospace, engineering and technology. Participants also learn about scholarship opportunities available to Space Camp alumni through the University of Alabama in Huntsville, according to the press release.
“Dr. George Rapier and our entire RapierMed team are proud to support another year of Space Camp scholarships for students across the Virgin Islands,” said Sarina Blanco, director of compliance and special projects for RapierMed, LLC. “We remain committed to investing in opportunities for our youth that encourage them to reach for the stars.”
Organizers said the scholarships remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent students from participating in the nationally recognized program.
“We are launching more than just dreams—we’re launching futures,” said Dee Baecher-Brown, president of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. “We’re grateful to Kym Rapier and RapierMed for making this possible.”
The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands administers a variety of scholarship programs for students throughout the territory, the press release stated
For more information about establishing a scholarship fund or supporting Virgin Islands students through CFVI scholarship programs, visit cfvi.net/Scholarships or contact general.info@cfvi.net.
