UCCI INSPIRES YOUNG MINDS IN CAYMAN BRAC WITH STEM AND HOSPITALITY

Last Thursday, an enthusiastic team from STEM@UCCI, led by Mrs. Antoinette Gayle, Mr. Ricardo Benjamin, and Dr. Erica Gordon, ventured to Cayman Brac for an afternoon of interactive STEM education at Layman Scott Senior High School. This initiative, part of the broader outreach efforts to foster interest and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among youth, saw nearly 30 students dive hands-on into the worlds of chemistry, environmental science, electronics, biology, and drone technology.

The interactive learning session allowed students to explore complex concepts through practical applications. Demonstrating the practical side of scientific inquiry, each participant received a folding microscope, empowering them to continue their explorations independently and instill a long-term interest in the sciences.

“We are thrilled with the turnout and enthusiasm among the students. It’s clear that initiatives like these are crucial in nurturing budding scientists and innovators who are eager to learn and explore,” said Mrs. Antoinette Gayle, one of the lead coordinators of the event.

Adding to a week of immersive educational experiences, students and faculty from UCCI’s School of Hospitality Studies also attended the Layman Scott Career Fair held at the Ashton Rutty Civic Centre on Friday. The event featured diploma and associate degree students engaging attendees with information about UCCI’s hospitality programme, alongside a popular mixology demonstration led by student Bethany Ebanks. Bethany prepared an original non-alcoholic basil swanki that was a hit at the career fair, drawing attention from numerous attendees including the Honorable Premier, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly.

Dr. Robert Robertson, President and CEO of UCCI, stated, “UCCI is deeply committed to the educational development of all regions within the Cayman Islands. Our outreach in Cayman Brac is a testament to our mission to make education accessible to every corner of the community, fostering growth and innovation across the islands. Additionally, our engagement at the career fair demonstrates our dedication to comprehensive education in all fields, preparing students for diverse career opportunities. We are excited to see what these young minds will bring to the future of science and technology.”

STEM@UCCI aims to inspire and train the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians by providing innovative, high-quality educational experiences. Through community engagement and partnerships, STEM@UCCI fosters accessible and exciting learning opportunities for all students across the Cayman Islands. STEM@UCCI is committed to continuing this momentum with an upcoming session scheduled for this Wednesday at Clifton Hunter High School (CHHS), where

approximately 40 students are expected to participate. UCCI will also be running its popular STEM summer camp this July 8 - 12, sponsored by Enterprise Cayman.

School of Hospitality students and faculty at UCCI also worked as volunteers at the weekends hugely popular Taste of Cayman Food and Drink Festival; one of the largest events in the Cayman calendar.