‍FRESH FOOD INNOVATION CAMP

Junior Achievement participants use a virtual Innovation Camp to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to improve the availability of fresh food in USVI supermarkets

25 high school students from across the Virgin Islands will participate in a two-week long virtual Innovation Camp organized around the use of AI to determine the freshness of foods in supermarkets.  Participants will build soft skills by learning how to ask questions that solve problems, doing field work and talking about technology in a convincing way.  The Camp is organized by Junior Achievement USVI and will run from July 22 to August 5 from 10am to 2pm.

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To register, go to http://jausvi.org/innovationcamp or email getinvolved@jausvi.org for more information.

There has always been a high demand for fresh food in the USVI, but with the outbreak of COVID-19, consumers are realizing that easy access to fresh food is not a given and there is renewed interest to understand how to improve the way food is sourced, stored and handled. Junior Achievement is excited to take a leading role to drive this discussion across families via schools and engagement with high schoolers.

For the past fourteen years, Junior Achievement USVI (JA) has provided in-person volunteer-delivered financial education programs in K–12 schools. These programs build critical thinking, teamwork, communication & leadership skills. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization is adding a digital component to its programming to allow continued and ongoing engagement of students. New digital offerings allow JA to provide expanded program delivery options that increase both the reach and engagement approach of participating volunteers.

JA is already realizing success with this new digital strategy.  The organization recently delivered the JA Economics for Success program fully online over two days in June.  Forty-five middle school students were taught about personal finance and the importance of identifying education and career goals based on their skills, interests, and values. It was facilitated by volunteers and teachers. Following participation in the program, students were able to explore their skills, interests, values, and the world of work to make informed education, career, and life decisions. The program also expanded their knowledge of personal finance—including smart budgeting, wise credit use, and minimizing financial risk—so they can apply strong financial management skills regardless of their income.

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