Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Boys &Girls Clubs of American Samoa (BGCAS) this week celebrated receiving a $15,000 grant from the Lealaifuaneva Peter E. Reid Charitable Foundation. The grant was given to BGCAS for the expansion of their STEM programming for children and teens and to enhance the organization's impact in reaching groups traditionally under-represented in STEM fields.

The initiative aims at implementing high-quality supplemental STEM programming to youth ages 6 to 18 outside of the structure of the school day and effectively engage youth in STEM learning to build stronger educational outcomes. STEM is a targeted program that provides exceptional educational and career exploration opportunities. While engaged in STEM activities, youth are able to address real-world problems with hands-on projects.

On hand to make the presentation on behalf of Ms. Olivia Reid, President of the Foundation were Mr. Peter Reid III and Victoria B. Reid. The presentation was made to the BGCAS Chairman of the Board and Chief Volunteer Officer Mrs. Mary A.T. Tulafono in a ceremony at the BGCAS Clubhouse in Tafuna, on December 12, 2024.

Mr. Reid and Ms. Victoria Reid were also given a tour of the Clubhouse facilities and especially the Music Recording Studio named after the late Senator Lealaifuaneva Peter Reid, Jr. in commemoration of a previous grant BGCAS received from the Foundation for the purpose of building and equipping the studio for the club members to learn music production and recording skills.

In his emotional remarks after observing the music studio and the training facilities, Mr. Reid said, "Madame Chair, we at the Foundation recognize and appreciate the value and impact of the work you, your staff and organization have done, and continue to do, for the children of our country.

“On behalf of President Olivia Reid, and our father, we are so proud to be associated with the program and appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance in this great endeavor."

BACKGROUND

Since 2017, the Foundation has contributed in excess of $60,000 in grant funding to BGCAS that helped in the creation of the Club's music studio; college and career preparation, including SAT/ACT/ASVAB prep courses; STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) programming; and the Club's workforce development initiative.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Lealaifuaneva Peter E. Reid Charitable Foundation and their continued dedication and steadfast support has been instrumental in achieving our mission of youth being academically successful, demonstrating good character and citizenship, living healthy lifestyles, and being life and workforce ready," said Mrs. Tulafono. "This gift will help us continue our mission of shaping Great Futures for the children of American Samoa."