U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (August 10, 2026) – SkyCity successfully hosted territory-wide Back-to-School Giveaways on Saturday, August 8, providing hundreds of students and families across St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John with free backpacks and essential school supplies ahead of the start of the new academic year.
The initiative was designed to help ease back-to-school costs for Virgin Islands families while ensuring students are equipped for learning and academic success. Open to all K-12 students and requiring no registration, the events welcomed families from across the territory and reflected SkyCity’s commitment to making a direct and meaningful investment in the communities it serves.
Giveaways were held simultaneously at Yacht Haven Grande on St. Thomas, the University of the Virgin Islands Student Cafeteria on St. Croix, and Franklin Powell Park on St. John. Throughout the day, students received backpacks filled with notebooks, folders, writing supplies, and other essentials as families prepared for the upcoming school year.
The initiative was developed and coordinated by SkyCity as part of its broader community engagement program, which focuses on supporting education, youth development, and opportunities that strengthen communities throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. In support of the effort, SkyCity partnered with telecommunications and internet service provider, Liberty VI, whose participation helped expand distribution efforts and support event operations across all three islands.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting the communities we serve and investing in the future of Virgin Islands students,” said Kelly Fredericks, Chief Executive Officer of SkyCity. “The future of the Virgin Islands is sitting in our classrooms today. If we want students to succeed, we have a responsibility to support them where we can. This initiative was about helping families prepare for the school year while demonstrating our long-term commitment to the communities we serve throughout the Territory.”
Fredericks noted that while SkyCity continues its work to advance the modernization and redevelopment of the Territory’s airports, the consortium is equally committed to being an active partner in the communities where it operates.
“We believe community investment is about more than infrastructure,” Fredericks added. “It is about showing up, building relationships, and supporting initiatives that make a real difference for Virgin Islands families. When students walk into their classrooms on the first day of school feeling prepared and confident, that is a meaningful outcome for everyone.”
The Back-to-School Giveaways represent the latest in a growing series of community-focused initiative supported by SkyCity throughout the Territory. Through educational programs, sponsorships, partnerships, and outreach activities, SkyCity is committed to creating positive and lasting impacts that extend beyond the airport redevelopment project.
SkyCity extends its appreciation to Liberty VI, venue partners, volunteers, community supporters, and the many families who participated in the events. The strong turnout across all three islands demonstrated the community’s shared commitment to supporting students and ensuring a successful start to the new school year.
