Project Promise’s Caterpillar students embarked on a rail trip across America this summer to make an impact on communities outside the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Caterpillars touch down in Washington, DC. on June 27, 2025, and during their time there, the group volunteered at the United Way of the National Capital Area by creating Healthy Snack Kits for local area youth. The group then headed west with stops in Illinois, Washington, British Columbia, and California, and undertook various service projects that included helping to prepare and serve meals, creating encouragement cards, and more.
Community service is one of the nine components at the core of the Project Promise program. Over the last ten years the Caterpillar Project students have completed monthly community service projects locally, nationally and even internationally. “Community Service is an instrumental part of who we are as an organization. The activities are designed to expand the students’ outlook and help them think of themselves as citizens of the world”, said Project Promise Executive Director Resa O’Reilly Shearn.
The epic 12-day coast-to-coast and back adventure has officially ended! This journey covered about 5,313 miles, crossed 22 states, impacted 5 organizations, and allowed participants to explore 5 cities in 2 countries. “This opportunity of a lifetime will undoubtedly have a long-lasting, life-changing impact on our students. We are incredibly grateful for connecting with old friends and making new ones along the way, and we are thankful for the positive impact we were able to make,” Resa stated.
This opportunity of a lifetime was the second undertaking for Project Promise. In 2019, the Caterpillar Project embarked on their first Summer of Service. This year’s Summer of Service was sponsored by One Communications, Atty Joel Holt, Tropico Management, Judge Steele, Frederiksted Twin City Lions Club, Cruzan Creations and several other businesses and individuals. The rail trip wrapped up in California. The Caterpillars then rode the train back to Washington, DC and flew back to St. Croix on July 9, 2025.
