About Us
Our Mission
To bridge the education gap for underserved Caribbean youth through projects and workshops. We aim to create a hybrid community that advances equity in education.
How We Solve The Problem
Harnessing the art of storytelling, we immerse our students in dynamic, skill-building STEAM workshops. Each session introduces a relatable character, and as students step into their shoes to tackle challenges, they attain core skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. This approach ensures impactful learning experiences and lasting understanding.
We Use Stories
Inspired by the world around us.
To Teach Students
Our current workshops cater to youths between ages 9 and 13.
21st Century Skills
Through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
Our Story:
Empowering Caribbean Youth Through Education and Opportunity
At Caribbean Youth Development Institute (CYD Institute), we understand the challenges faced by Caribbean youths seeking accessible educational opportunities.
As Caribbean youths who were afforded the opportunity to continue education abroad, we recognize the lack of accessible educational materials and opportunities for students with few resources. We are passionate about bridging these divides and empowering students with limited resources.
In response to the growing need for accessible education, especially in light of the global shift to online learning in 2020, we established CYD Institute.
Join Us
In creating a supportive community where students can learn, network, and grow together. Together, we can build a brighter future for Caribbean youths!
We Work To Evolve Education
We believe that every student deserves equal access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through our platform, we aim to reduce the barriers that hinder students from thriving in a digital learning environment.
Meet Our Passionate Team
Driving Change and Empowering Caribbean Youth.
Brittania is captivated by technology, web development, and youth empowerment, understanding youths' vital role in community and nation-building. She passionately advocates for equal opportunities and expanded STEM education access for at-risk youths.
Brittania
Director of Technology & Web Development
I oversee the strategic planning process, making key decisions that shape the institution’s purpose and direction. My passion for Caribbean education has led me to work with a dedicated team to provide enriching educational opportunities for primary school students in the region.
Sashoy
Director of Operations & Strategic Planning
Naomi has a strong passion for education and youth development. At CYD Institute she continues feeding that passion through helping to provide an exciting space for young people to learn and see themselves as emerging leaders of their communities.
Naomi
Director of Communications & Marketing
Moniqueca is passionate about education and creating spaces that facilitate holistic development for young people, particularly those she interacts with as an educator. She loves to be involved in initiatives that revolutionize academia; ushering in creativity and diversity and properly equipping students for their futures.
Moniqueca
Director of Project Development & Instruction
We Work To Evolve Education
Students Impacted
Partner Schools
Projects & Workshops
Our Beginning
As Caribbean youths who were afforded the opportunity to continue education abroad, we recognize the lack of accessible educational materials and opportunities for students with few resources. To fill this gap we have launched the Caribbean Youth Development Institute (CYD Institute) to increase awareness of career options and provide as many students as possible with free online educational resources.
In 2020, as the world transitioned to online learning, we noticed an increasing number of students being marginalized and struggling to keep up with the demand for remote learning. Through our platform and the free resources, it is our hope to see that number decrease and the students can find CYD Institute as a community they can learn, network and develop.
How We Bridge The Gap
Through our student membership we provide courses, quizzes and interactive workshops for primary school students to help them develop their critical thinking and other important skills in today’s world. Students also receive mentorship and access to academic/career development workshops.
Through our educator membership, we help teachers or educators better prepare for a digital and interactive classroom in hopes of minimizing the learning loss gaps in low income communities. Educators receive training, lesson plans, worksheet guides to successful integrate these principles in the classroom or other learning environments.
Our Team
Brittania Moodie
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Brittania is a molecular biologist with previous experience in microbiology. She currently has a senior technical role in a cell biology lab. As a multipotentialite, Brittania is intrigued by technology, web development and youth development. She recognizes the critical role that youths have in community and nation-building and as such, she is a strong advocate for youth development. particular, Brittania is passionate about equal opportunity for at-risk youths and expanding youth access to STEM education.
Naomi Reitzin
Jamaican Director & Program Coordinator
Avid reader and story enthusiast, Naomi is currently an English Language and Literature teacher at Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha) and is also a research assistant for the department of Literatures in English at The University of the West Indies. Teaching high school English in her homeland Jamaica continuously sparks in Naomi a strong passion for education and youth development. At CYD Institute she continues feeding that passion through helping to provide an exciting space for young people to learn and see themselves as emerging leaders of their communities.
Sashoy Milton
Co-Founder & Program Developer
A graduate student at Duke University, Sashoy has spent the last few years involved in environmental toxicology research and has some experience investigating the role of biotechnology in climate change mitigation. She is curious about the interactions between education, policy, and research. Currently, she is an activist in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space at Duke University. While at CYD Institute, she is engaged in the development of adaptive academic programming for students of all ages.
Nicolette Maragh
Project Marketing Coordinator
Nicolette is the Founder of Career Aligner, a Career Consulting Agency and a Certified Holistic Career Coach. She is currently pursuing graduate studies in Organizational Psychology and is very passionate about the world of work. She previously worked as a Surgical RN as well and has experience in genomics research. Understanding the impact of the lack of educational resources and opportunities, she feels compelled to contribute to career development for at-risk youth through CYD Institute. It’s her mission to work to improve students’ self-efficacy and broaden their mindset re the future of work to hopefully catalyze better outcomes.
Alessia Di Lanzo
Intern for Summer ’21
Alessia is currently an innovative, creative, and hard-working Global Business and Marketing student at Suffolk University. She has a high level of interest in Digital Marketing and Social Media Management. Alessia was born and raised in Venezuela, but her passion brought her to Boston, where she has worked on projects to understand the consumer behavior of different target markets’. She is always looking for a positive learning environment to grow her skills, and that is why she is a Marketing Intern at the Caribbean Youth Development Institute for this summer. Alessia believes that she can work on what she is so passionate about and learn new things from her amazing team at the CYD Institute.
Our Tutors
Tatiana Dixon
Mathematics Tutor
Shantal Carr
Mathematics and Science Tutor
Elisa Sorgini
English Tutor
Content Development Team
Khalia Foster
Social Studies Content Contributor
Devon Murdock
Mathematics Content Contributor
Anuli Onwumelu
Language Arts Content Contributor
Pahjay Plunkett
Content Video Developer & Social Studies Content Contributor
Asherene Ramdon
Past Director, Science Content Contributor & Illustrator
Elisa Sorgini
Language Arts Content Contributor
Sara Tavana
Science Content Contributor