The agreement creates a platform for both institutions to explore future programmes that respond to local workforce demands while bringing international expertise into conversation with Virgin Islands priorities. Photo: Facebook

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with University College London's Institute of Education (UCL IOE), one of the world's leading institutions for education and higher learning. Photo: Internet Source

The agreement was signed by Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) and Tristan McCowan, Professor of International Education at the Institute of Education, University College London. Photo: Facebook

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) and Tristan McCowan, Professor of International Education at the Institute of Education, University College London during the signing ceremony. Photo: Facebook

The agreement, signed in September 2026 in London, establishes a formal framework for collaboration between the Caribbean community college and the UK-based faculty, which is ranked number one globally for education and eighth overall for higher learning.

It was signed by Tristan McCowan, Professor of International Education at the Institute of Education, University College London, and Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL).

According to a statement on Facebook, the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports said the MOU creates opportunities across several key areas, including student transfers and postgraduate study, educator development, research and knowledge exchange, research student placements, and capacity-building initiatives designed to strengthen tertiary education infrastructure in the Virgin Islands.  

Agreement to benefit both platforms

The agreement creates a platform for both institutions to explore future programmes that respond to local workforce demands while bringing international expertise into conversation with Virgin Islands priorities. 

HLSCC leadership has stated that the partnership is designed to ensure that education and training programmes align with the evolving economic and social needs of the territory. 

"This is about more than a signature," HLSCC officials stated. "It is about building meaningful global partnerships that strengthen our institution, create new opportunities for our educators and students, and bring international expertise into conversation with the needs and ambitions of the Virgin Islands."