The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has reached a major milestone after receiving approval to offer its first-ever bachelor's degree programme, marking a historic moment for higher education in the Virgin Islands.
The announcement was made by Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Sharie De Castro during the college's 33rd Graduation Exercise on Thursday, where 217 students were presented for graduation.
“For 36 years, this institution has prepared graduates for the future. Today, it graduates into its own,” De Castro said.
“It is my profound honour as Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, and as a proud alumna of this institution, to announce that H. Lavity Stoutt Community College has received approval to begin offering its first ever internationally accredited bachelor's degree program, right here in the Virgin Islands,” the minister told the audience.
The Bachelor of Education programme is expected to commence in the Fall of this year, giving students an opportunity to pursue a four-year degree locally for the first time through HLSCC.
The announcement capped off a celebratory graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 and represents a significant expansion of the college's academic offerings.
According to statistics released by the college, the 2026 graduating class comprised 151 females and 66 males. A total of 229 awards were presented, reflecting the achievements of students across a range of academic and professional programmes.
The announcement was made by Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Sharie De Castro during the college's 33rd Graduation Exercise on Thursday, where 217 students were presented for graduation.
“For 36 years, this institution has prepared graduates for the future. Today, it graduates into its own,” De Castro said.
“It is my profound honour as Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, and as a proud alumna of this institution, to announce that H. Lavity Stoutt Community College has received approval to begin offering its first ever internationally accredited bachelor's degree program, right here in the Virgin Islands,” the minister told the audience.
The Bachelor of Education programme is expected to commence in the Fall of this year, giving students an opportunity to pursue a four-year degree locally for the first time through HLSCC.
The announcement capped off a celebratory graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 and represents a significant expansion of the college's academic offerings.
According to statistics released by the college, the 2026 graduating class comprised 151 females and 66 males. A total of 229 awards were presented, reflecting the achievements of students across a range of academic and professional programmes.
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