WAPA Mechanical Engineer I, Nicolas Loyola-Otero (seen in the foreground), shares his experience as an engineer at WAPA with students at the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra Summer Enrichment Program.
U.S. Virgin Islands (June 26, 2026) — The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “the Authority”) brought career inspiration directly to local youth this week through two summer outreach events designed to connect camp students with the people and systems that support the delivery of essential water and power services.
From engineering and operations to hands-on learning experiences, WAPA employees engaged students in meaningful conversations about how essential utility services are delivered across the territory.
On Monday, June 22, WAPA visited the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra Summer Enrichment Program on St. Thomas, where students ages 6–15 met professionals working across key areas of the Authority. Presentations were led by representatives from WAPA’s Water Plant Operations, Engineering, Human Resources, and Corporate Communications teams, each sharing how their roles contribute behind the scenes to serving the community.
Camp students demonstrated strong curiosity about how electricity is generated, the economics behind power production and household energy costs, and the careers involved in keeping the system running. Questions such as, “How do we create electricity?”, “Why are energy costs so high?”, and “How much do engineers get paid?” reflected the students’ interest and engagement. The dialogue highlighted a growing awareness among youth of the importance of reliable and resilient energy and water systems and the role they can play as future contributors to shaping that future.
On Tuesday, June 23, WAPA continued its outreach at the University of the Virgin Islands Summer Program on St. Croix, engaging campers ages 5–11 through an interactive educational experience designed to make energy concepts fun, energetic and memorable.
Camp students participated in “Chasing the Current,” a hands-on activity that showed how electricity moves from generation to homes and businesses. They learned about electrons, the tiny particles that carry electricity, and how they move slowly on their own but pass energy along in a continuous chain, allowing electricity to quickly power homes and communities.
The activity transformed a complex process into an age-appropriate adventure, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and early interest in STEM-related fields.
Together, these outreach events reflect WAPA’s ongoing commitment to investing in the next generation by creating opportunities for students to explore science, engineering, public service, and the critical infrastructure that supports water and power services in the Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.