News Releases

S.O.A.R Summit 2025 : Celebrating Creativity, Leadership and Resilience in Youth

For Release Upon Receipt - August 22, 2025

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago – August 22, 2025 — The S.O.A.R Summit (Sound, Originality, Aspire, Resilience), hosted by the Sound+Science NYC Foundation in partnership with The University of the West Indies (The UWI) under the Caribbean Future of Science project, will take place from August 24–26, 2025, at the Trinidad Hilton. The three-day summit, funded by the Simmons Foundation (USA), is designed to harness the power of science and music to inspire and reimagine the future for young people.

The summit will bring together a diverse and talented group of boys from across Trinidad and Tobago, including participants from remote regions such as Moruga and Rio Claro, as well as underserved communities supported by organisations like Servol. Students from schools including Success Laventille, QRC, and Upper Level will take part in an immersive programme centered on music, creativity, science, and leadership.

Over the course of the event, participants will engage in dynamic discussions, hands-on activities, and mentorship sessions led by accomplished leaders who have overcome challenges to achieve success. The summit provides a platform where the students’ ideas and creativity are celebrated, empowering them to envision bold new possibilities for themselves and their communities.

The summit is curated by Prof. Stephon Alexander, physicist, best-selling author, jazz musician, and Director of the Sound+Science NYC Foundation, who has designed similar youth programmes internationally. He will be joined by distinguished Senseis, including Dr. Brandon Ogbunu, scientist at Yale University and Director of the Science and Society Centre; Stephan Ottley, record-breaking local swimmer; and Dr. Andre Toussaint, psychologist from Brown University with Trinidadian roots. Additional presenters will contribute expertise in science, music, and youth leadership.

Locally, the summit is chaired and organised by Prof. Shirin Haque of The UWI, ensuring a programme that reflects both regional relevance and global innovation.

The S.O.A.R Summit 2025 is a celebration of youth potential, creativity and resilience, providing a transformative experience that inspires the next generation of leaders and innovators.

END

 About The University of the West Indies

 The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, The UWI continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development.

 As The UWI St. Augustine Campus celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025 under the theme Beyond 65: From the Caribbean, For the World, it pays tribute to its Caribbean roots while highlighting its contributions to solving global challenges. This milestone underscores the campus's significant role in producing ground-breaking research and fostering talent that transcends regional boundaries to shape a better world. The UWI St. Augustine’s researchers, academics, and graduates continue to make an international impact, exemplifying the university’s mission to serve the region while influencing the world.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

 

Contact