Two young Antiguans, Ajenai Charles and Kha-Lique Harris, are representing Antigua and Barbuda in the 2026 Student Program for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE), a highly competitive regional programme designed to develop the Caribbean’s next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.

Organized annually by the Caribbean Science Foundation, SPISE is a five-week residential programme that brings together talented students from across the region with strong abilities and interests in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Charles and Harris earned their places following a rigorous selection process involving academic records, CSEC results, school transcripts, recommendation letters, personal essays and interviews.

During the programme, participants undertake university-level studies in physics, calculus, biochemistry, robotics, computer programming and entrepreneurship, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and applying scientific knowledge to real-world problems.

SPISE also provides students with exposure to leading international universities and STEM professionals. Participants interact with representatives from institutions including MIT, Columbia University, Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Waterloo and McMaster University.

The programme further provides training in leadership, teamwork, communication, time management, résumé development and university application preparation, helping participants prepare for future academic and professional opportunities.

The participation of Charles and Harris places Antigua and Barbuda among the Caribbean countries represented in the prestigious programme and highlights the potential of the nation’s young people in STEM.