President of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Dr Richard E. Georges said they are in the planning stage of a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Photo: GIS

(L-R) Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), President of the HLSCC Dr Ricahrd E. Georges, and Chief Education Officer Orlandette R. Crabbe. Photo: GIS

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) is moving ahead with plans to develop a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting as part of its continued expansion of tertiary education opportunities in the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: VINO/File

The announcement follows the commencement of the college’s first bachelor's degree programme in Elementary Education in September 2026, with an inaugural cohort of 10 students.

Early stages of planning

“We are currently in the early stages of planning our next bachelor's degree, which right now is going to be accounting,” HLSCC President Dr Richards E. Georges said during the Virgin Islands Voice on October 28, 2026, 

The proposed programme is being developed with the intention of aligning its academic standards with those of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), creating a potential pathway for graduates to pursue internationally recognised professional accounting qualifications. 

The goal is to structure the programme so that graduates may qualify for exemptions from certain ACCA examinations, providing a more streamlined route towards professional certification, he added. 

Programme approved by Middle States Commission

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Shari B. de Castro (AL) highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting that the programme received approval from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and now enables aspiring educators to pursue bachelor's-level qualifications locally. 

She also emphasised the importance of developing specialised academic programmes that respond to the Territory's workforce needs while increasing opportunities for students to complete their education in the Virgin Islands.

Dr Georges added that the College is considering factors such as student demand, industry requirements, available expertise and programme development costs when identifying new academic offerings. He further highlighted HLSCC's commitment to maintaining international transfer opportunities through articulation agreements with overseas institutions, alongside the development of additional bachelor's degree programmes that students can complete locally.

Articulation agreements w/ UK institutions

HLSCC currently has articulation agreements with several institutions in the United Kingdom, including London Metropolitan University, the University of Westminster, Richmond American University and the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering. 

These agreements allow eligible students to pursue further studies through established transfer pathways. 

The 2027 National Budget identified the HLSCC’s expansion of bachelor's degree programmes, online and distance education, and technical, vocational and professional training as priorities.