Making Dreams Become Reality
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten – The Department of Youth, within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport (ECYS), proudly announces the successful conclusion of the 28th Annual Business Outreach & Placement Program (BOPP) 2026, marking another successful year of connecting young people with meaningful workplace experiences and preparing them for the world of work.
This year, 81 young people participated in the BOPP journey, gaining valuable exposure to the workplace through placements, training and employment opportunities across Government ministries and departments, private-sector organizations, foundations, statutory bodies and community partners throughout Sint Maarten.
Throughout the four-week work-placement period, students were given the opportunity to move beyond the classroom and experience the expectations and responsibilities of the workplace firsthand. They contributed to meaningful work within the various ministries, departments and organizations in which they were placed, while developing essential professional skills, confidence, discipline, teamwork and an understanding of workplace culture.
Among the success stories emerging from BOPP 2026 was one young participant who landed his dream job as a chef assistant at a local restaurant. After being connected to the opportunity through BOPP, the student was offered a full-time position and proudly withdrew from the program to begin his employment journey. His achievement reflects exactly what BOPP seeks to accomplish: creating pathways that allow young people to turn exposure and opportunity into tangible employment outcomes.
The Department has also observed an encouraging upward trend in organizations recognizing the potential of BOPP participants and extending employment opportunities to young people. This development demonstrates the important role that work-experience programs can play in bridging the gap between education, skills development and employment.
Across the Government apparatus, students were entrusted with meaningful assignments and supported the daily work of the departments in which they were placed. Their contributions provided them with a better understanding of public service while allowing them to apply and strengthen their skills in a professional environment.
The Department of Youth extends its sincere appreciation to the ministries and departments throughout the Government apparatus for opening their doors to BOPP students and for the dedication demonstrated by supervisors and staff in mentoring, guiding and supporting them throughout their placements.
Recognition is also extended to the many private-sector organizations, foundations, statutory bodies and community partners that continued to invest their time and resources in the development of Sint Maarten’s youth. Longstanding BOPP partners, including KFC, once again demonstrated their commitment to the program, with KFC also making a generous contribution toward the closing activities for the participating youth.
The program further provided opportunities for students to contribute visibly to their community. Among these experiences, BOPP participants worked alongside the Public Works Infrastructure Department, assisting with the painting of street markings and gaining firsthand exposure to the work required to maintain Sint Maarten’s public infrastructure.
The BOPP Coordinator emphasized that preparing young people for the workforce cannot be the responsibility of Government or employers alone.
“Preparing our youth for the world of work is a shared responsibility. As we create opportunities for them to learn and grow, we must also encourage our young people to understand that opportunity comes with responsibility. Healthy work ethics, respect, accountability and integrity must be instilled as foundational values. When Government, schools, parents, businesses and the wider community work together, we create an environment in which our young people can truly thrive.”
Parents and guardians are therefore encouraged to continue reinforcing positive work ethics, punctuality, responsibility, respect and integrity at home. Likewise, schools, the wider community and business sector are encouraged to provide young people with opportunities to learn, make meaningful contributions and develop the confidence and skills necessary to successfully transition into the workforce.
As BOPP continues to evolve, the Department of Youth remains committed to strengthening partnerships, evaluating the program and creating additional opportunities that respond to the changing needs of young people and the labour market.
The conclusion of BOPP 2026 represents more than the end of another annual program. It represents 81 young people who stepped forward to learn, grow and explore their potential—and, for one participant, an opportunity that became a dream job.
BOPP 2026 closes 81 strong, proving once again that when young people are given meaningful opportunities, dreams can become reality.
