Aumua Addresses 1st Ever American Samoa STEM Summit
Washington, D.C. –Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata gave moving remarks this past weekend at American Samoa's first ever Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) Summit at the Rex Lee Auditorium in Utulei. The theme of this year's summit was "Exploring STEM College, Career & Trades Pathways through Partnership".
Congresswoman Amata poses with Chairperson Edna Asalele Noga and her family.
"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," stated Amata. "Pacific Islanders in particular have an excellent opportunity to advance with this type of education as those careers that require such skills aren't necessarily considered to be jobs that are geographically isolated to big cities and the like…perfect for a geographically isolated, yet technologically proficient workforce," she continued.
The event was hosted by the American Samoa STEM Partners - a public/private partnership working towards ensuring all children are STEM literate, and STEM College, Career & Trades ready. In addition to presentations and exhibit booths, the summit also included hands on activities and information for grades K through 12th in an effort to educate the community about the different STEM programs available to students both locally and across the country.
"I remain committed to ensuring that the youth of American Samoa are afforded the same opportunities and resources as their counterparts in the states, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress to make sure that happens," stated Amata. "I want to thank American Samoa STEM Partners Chairperson – Edna Asalele Noga of ASPA, and Vice Chairperson – Magdalene Augafa-Leauanae of the DOE for inviting me to participate in this event, and I look forward to many more future summits and STEM education events to come," concluded Amata.
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