Washington, D.C. — The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) has received notice of a federal grant of $400,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF). These federal funds are due to the application efforts of State Director Tafaimamao “Tafa” Lefu Tua Tupuola of ASCC’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

This project under Director Tupuola is entitled "Strengthening a Higher Education Institution's Cohesive Engagement of Faculty and Students in STEM,” with funding support beginning October 1, 2024.

“Congratulations to ASCC, President Dr. Rosevonne Pato, and Director Tafaimamao Tua Tupuola, for this excellent grant and their plans to put it work for our STEM students and faculty,” Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata said. “I appreciate the innovation that goes into a program like this for the improvement of ASCC, as our college is so important to our territory.”

Federal agencies supply grants through the administering programs that are created legislatively by Congress, then funded through yearly appropriations.

The National Science Foundation supports research, innovation, and discovery that provides the foundation for economic growth in this country. By advancing the frontiers of science and engineering, our nation can develop the knowledge and cutting-edge technologies needed to address the challenges we face today and will face in the future.