Four Am Samoa students head to STEP-UP High School Summer Research Symposium
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Four high school student participants in the STEP-UP program presented the results of their studies at the 14th Annual STEP-UP Symposium held at the American Sa

![From L to R) ASCC – Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources (ACNR) Division Director Aufa’i Apulu Ropeti Areta, STEP-UP interns Emirina Ioane, Penny Solaita, Dimple Bonhart, Charles Tauiliili, and American Samoa Department of Education Deputy Director Netini Sene at the 14th Annual STEP-UP High School Internship Symposium. The STEP-UP program, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), provides summer research internship opportunities to high school students. This year’s interns were hosted by ASCC-ACNR, the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, and OLAGA Research. The interns will travel to the NIH headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland to present their research results at the national STEP-UP symposium with travel expenses funded by STEP-UP and the Department of Education. [photo: ASCC-ACNR] STEP UP INTERNS AND OTHERS](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/step_up.jpg?itok=3S0Cwn3l)
![The first class in the new partnership between the Visitors Bureau and the ASCC Adult Education program receive their certificates of completion. This collaboration allows the students to earn Course Education Units (CEU) [courtesy photo] The first class in the new partnership between the Visitors Bureau and the ASCC](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/asvb_ascc_certificat_ceremony_1.jpg?itok=-V_nM6sJ)

![An Ava Ceremony was part of the Summer Youth Employment Program’s closing ceremony which centered around cultural events including traditional dances, and Samoan songs, last Friday, Aug. 04, 2023 at the Suigaula o le Atavasa Park in Utulei. [ASG photo] 'AVA CEREMONY](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/syep_cultural_day.jpg?itok=8DAszEZd)
![This photo provided by County of Maui shows fire and smoke filling the sky from wildfires on the intersection at Hokiokio Place and Lahaina Bypass in Maui on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. Wildfires in Hawaii fanned by strong winds burned multiple structures in areas including historic Lahaina town, forcing evacuations and closing schools in several communities Wednesday, and rescuers pulled a dozen people escaping smoke and flames from the ocean. [Zeke Kalua/ County of Maui via AP] Maui fire](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/hawaii_fire.jpg?itok=0M073fRb)




![Participants in the ‘For the Strength of Youth’ (FSY) 2023 conference sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for youth, ages 14-18 years, where lasting friendships were created. [courtesy photo] Two participants enbrace](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/lds_lasting_friendships.jpg?itok=cvDSn2SR)