Washington, D.C. — This past Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata highlighted the opportunities for American Samoa’s youth in the STEM fields that are emphasized in the global economy and often in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Amata spoke at the STEAM Family Expo, which included parents, students, organizers, sponsors, teachers and administrators from the STEAM Academy and the STEAM Partnership.

“As the global economy grows and technology brings our world closer together, we are going to need people who have the knowledge and have developed the skills necessary to compete,” said Aumua Amata. “We need a focus on math and science education. These areas of study are the driving forces for the future of business, and the United States needs students in these fields for the future economy.”

 “We must ensure that our children here in the islands aren’t being left behind,” she continued. “We can do that by increasing the focus of study for your young people on Science, Technology, Engineering and of course Math in our local schools. Pacific Islanders in particular have an excellent opportunity to advance with this type of education as these careers that require such skills aren’t necessarily jobs that are geographically isolated to big cities — a perfect opportunity for a geographically isolated, yet technologically proficient workforce.”

For instance, Congresswoman Amata and Congressman Sablan (D-CNMI) have introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R. 6786, that would boost opportunities for local students to gain exposure to real-world applications of STEM fields by including the Marianas and American Samoa in the Department of Defense innovative STARBASE grant program.

“The recent COVID-19 Pandemic has highlighted the growing importance of technology in keeping the world connected. American Samoa has always been physically and economically isolated, but now more than ever, new improvements in telecommunications and other technologies will become an increasingly large part of our lifeline to the outside world. It is up to our STEM students to help build that interconnected future, and I want you to know I remain committed to supporting the youth of American Samoa in that goal.”

The Congresswoman is congratulating the current TSA scholars:

Grade 9:

Faitau, Pikakituitasi; Galuega-Tua, Dennis; Isa’ako Siata’ata; Lealuga, Delores; Maina, Vaitupua; Mauga, Divine; Pati, Josiah;Pelu, Athena; Sefika, Etuale; Fruean, Angel; Teminike, Julie; Tufi, Falesoa; Tuulaupua, Seluia; Areta, Leonia; Toalepai, Lesi

Grade 10:

Foma’i, Rayangelo; Gayapa, Robert; Ioane, Marissah; Isileli, Jaelene; Leasiolagi, Peko; Levu III, Aifoi; Lualua, Ashley; Mulitalo, Geraldine; Suani, Fa’amanuiaga; Ta’amilosaga, Reseta; Taliu, Christina; Togi, Leilani; Toeaina Jr., Onesai; Telise, Leaniva; Ve’a, Feiloa’i; Gayapa, Robert

Grade 11:

Alema, Matulino; Atanoa, Rodney; Distor, Silvemar; Tupua, Vaalele; Foster III, Douglas; Lulai, Sam; Mulupu, Veronica; Nu’u, Ronkinson; Tafua Joanya; Toatelegese II, Tavui; Tuavao, PJ; Tulolo, Breanna