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12 Students to Graduate from EntrepreNow

12 Students to Graduate from EntrepreNow

USVIEDA’s Enterprise Zone Commission wraps up six-week
pilot summer entrepreneurship program in the U.S. Virgin Islands

CHARLOTTE AMALIE,  St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands - August 17, 2016 - The U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA) announces that 12 students will graduate this week from a six-week summer program designed to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship among the Territory's youth.  The graduation ceremony for this pilot summer program, EntrepreNow, will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 19, 2016 at Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, 5 Estate Bakkeroe, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

The brainchild of the Enterprise Zone Commission, EntrepreNow was established in July 2016 in partnership with the Office of the Territorial Public Defender of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the local non-profit organization Youth Arise for young men between ages 15-19 years old.  EntrepreNow is being held on St. Thomas from July 11-August 19, 2016.  The Enterprise Zone Commission is an entity of the USVIEDA that is responsible for the revitalization of distressed neighborhoods that were once vibrant centers of economic activity in the Territory.

EntrepreNow was designed to assist young men in the Territory in learning how to set personal and career goals, build self-confidence, resolve conflict, prepare a resume` and conduct a job search, create and implement a business plan, and other life skills.

Selected through the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and the Office of the Territorial Public Defender of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the students of EntrepreNow participated in a variety sessions for their chosen career tracks during the six-week summer program. These career tracks included, but were not limited to, game designing, fashion design, plumbing and supplies, vehicle mechanics, restaurateur, and information technology.  The students also participated in the work shadowing of local entrepreneurs. 

To learn more, contact Semele George, marketing and pr specialist, at 340-714-1700, ext. 258.