WELCOME TO THE
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
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HELLO! FROM THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS!
We are proud to offer fellowship opportunities for USVI youth who want to remain in—or return to—their island home.
The Navigating Home USVI Hub is led by the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) in partnership with territorial organizations such as the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), the National Park Service, and The Nature Conservancy, among others.
“This program creates real career pathways in STEM for Virgin Islanders,” said Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes, project lead at UVI’s Center for Marine and Environmental Studies. “We’ve built strong partnerships over the years, and placements through DPNR and others often lead to full-time jobs—our long-term goal.”
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HOW FELLOWSHIP WORKS
Positions are available for short- and long-term Fellows. To be eligible applicants must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and have graduated from a USVI high school. Applicants must be experienced and interested in marine, environmental, sustainability science or engineering and able to show proof of local residency prior to post-secondary education (e.g. high school diploma). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and positions are open until filled.
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FELLOWSHIP BENEFITS
The fellowship program offers both short-term and long-term opportunities with a range of professional development benefits.
Short-term (2.5 months) fellows receive up to $500 for one-way airfare to the Virgin Islands, mental health first aid training, personalized mentoring, and mentoring workshops. They also gain science communication and public engagement skills through the University of Utah STEM Ambassador Program. Additional funding supports travel to conferences like CERF or SACNAS, as well as career-related materials and development opportunities.
Long-term (1–2 years) fellows receive all short-term benefits, plus employment at the University of the Virgin Islands with health insurance, retirement benefits, a computer purchase, and a moving stipend.
For more information and to apply, click here.
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APPLY TO BE A FELLOW
Ready to join our team of Navigating Home Fellows? Click the link below to complete the application and to share your background and goals. Tell us why you’re interested in contributing to science and community on your home island. You’ll be part of a growing network of fellows working across Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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ABOUT MENTORSHIP
Interested in hosting a Workforce Fellow?
Join Navigating Home in building the next generation of marine and environmental science professionals. As a host agency, you’ll play a key role in helping recent graduates launch their careers in marine science, environmental sustainability, or engineering—right at home.
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CONTACT US
We’d love to hear from you. To learn more about Navigating Home contact Elisabeth Leerdam at elisabeth.leerdam@uvi.edu.
Click here for the Fellowship application form and here for the Mentor application form.
Meet Our Workforce Fellows
Our U.S. Virgin Islands Workforce Fellows are emerging leaders committed to making a difference in their island communities. These current and recent graduates bring fresh perspectives and a strong sense of purpose to projects in marine and environmental science. Working with local agencies, nonprofits, and faculty at the University of the Virgin Islands, they contribute to hands-on efforts—from coral reef restoration to community outreach and research support. Each fellow represents the talent and potential of the Virgin Islands, showing how local investment can build a stronger, more resilient future for our islands.
Mirand
Goad
“As a first-generation college student, support from programs like the National Science Foundation (NSF) SEAS Island Alliance and Navigating Home Fellowship has been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional journey.”
Meet The USVI Team
