Census 2020 USVI Join Forces for Children

 

May 27, 2020

ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) and Census 2020 U.S. Virgin Islands are joining forces to positively impact the territory’s PreK-12 student population. 

 

Census 2020 USVI will provide knapsacks containing gifts for school-age children during the Department of Education’s scheduled meal distributions, May 27-29. We Count books, created by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands that helps students to understand the Census, will be included in free Census 2020 packets that will be distributed (one per family on a first-come, first-served basis) on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix at meal distribution sites. 

 

"The VIDE is extremely pleased to partner with Census 2020 US Virgin Islands to share important information and giveaways on this country's centuries-long Census process through our "No V.I. Child Goes Hungry" Feeding Initiative," said Assistant Education Commissioner Victor Somme III. "An increase in the Virgin Islands population could result in additional federal funding for our School Lunch Program. Commissioner Berry-Benjamin and I welcome this opportunity wholeheartedly and encourage students, parents and the Virgin Islands community, on a whole, to participate in Census 2020." 

 

Every 10 years, the Virgin Islands participates in the U.S. Census, a data-collection effort that helps determine the amount of federal funds that will be allocated to local schools, hospitals, roads and more. Everyone who lives in the US Virgin Islands, including every child, is encouraged to be counted. 

 

In support of education, Census 2020 created Statistics in Schools, a program that equips teachers, parents, guardians and students with online learning tools for PreK-12 students. Download grade-specific activities, lesson plans and more at www.census.gov/statisticsinschools. 

Download PDF:  pdf DOE - Census 2020 USVI Joins Forces For Children (191 KB)