Monroe University has hosted its first-ever college fair on its Saint Lucia campus, aimed at increasing local student enrollment and expanding awareness of higher education opportunities on island.
Dean of Administration and Operations, Dr. Michelle Charles, said the initiative is part of the university’s broader mission to improve accessibility and opportunity for Saint Lucian students, particularly at the secondary school level.
“This is really about creating awareness and ensuring that our local students see Monroe as a viable option for higher education,” Dr. Charles explained. “While we have strong regional enrollment, we want to grow our local numbers.”
The fair focused heavily on secondary school students, introducing them to a range of associate degree programmes, including emerging and in-demand fields such as:
Criminal Justice
Cybersecurity
Sports Management
Exercise Science
Dr. Charles noted that interest in these areas has been growing among students, making it important to provide early exposure and guidance.
Feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive, according to the university. “The response has been phenomenal,” Dr. Charles said, noting that outreach efforts had already reached more than half of the island’s secondary schools prior to the fair.
She highlighted the enthusiasm of students, including some who attended independently after earlier school presentations. “They were so excited that they began their application process immediately, even coming on their own to experience the campus,” she said.
Guidance counsellors who accompanied students also welcomed the initiative, saying it provided expanded options and critical information for school leavers.
Dr. Charles also emphasized that Monroe University caters not only to recent graduates but also to working adults seeking further education. “Our programmes are very flexible,” she said. “Adult learners can pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees through online, virtual, or hybrid formats, allowing them to study at their own pace.”
The university continues to maintain a strong partnership with the Ministry of Education, offering multiple scholarship opportunities.
Among them are participation in the government’s “1st Generation Scholarship Programme” 20 scholarships in Sports Management, an additional 17 scholarships across programmes. “These opportunities are part of our commitment to making education more accessible,” Dr. Charles added.
While local enrollment continues to grow steadily, Monroe University is also attracting students from across the Caribbean, including St. Kitts, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Vincent.
Dr. Charles said the institution’s accredited American degree programmes are a major draw, particularly for students seeking international qualifications without the challenges of studying abroad.
“Students can earn a fully recognized American degree while remaining on island,” she noted. “That’s especially important given current visa challenges.”
Following the fair, Monroe University plans to expand its outreach efforts ahead of the next academic intake, with increased marketing and school engagement through March and beyond. “Our goal is to build greater visibility and ensure students and parents understand the opportunities available,” Dr. Charles said.
The university is targeting increased enrollment by September, positioning itself as a key player in advancing higher education access in Saint Lucia.
