The Department of Education has launched the initiative to develop educational programs and work based opportunities that will prepare the students for future careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This is due to the increasing global demand for skilled workers in the STEM fields, said DOE Director Vaitinasa Salu Hunkin.

She said STEM development is critical to our continued economic competitiveness because of their direct ties to innovation and economic productivity. “We define STEM education as the preparation of students in competencies and skills in these four disciplines, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

According to DOE’s STEM logic model on key measures pamphlet, all young children require an environment of skills that will enable them to succeed in school, and supporting them in STEM also includes providing opportunities to introduce math and science concepts through fun, play based activities. DOE is looking at implementing STEM courses starting from Early Childhood Education (ECE) all the way to the high schools level.

Master of Ceremony, educator Paulo Salave’a pointed out that this is what American Samoa has to offer to the world, the children, and establishing STEM is very much needed in DOE.

Attending the launching of DOE’s STEM initiative were educators, cabinet members and members of the private sector. Former Nu’uuli Vocation Technical high School (NVTHS) Principal Saouila Kava said during the meeting that even NVTHS lacks students who are keen to pursue civil engineering, and the majority of their engineers are mechanics.

American Samoa Power Authority CEO Utu Abe Malae was given the opportunity to speak on ASPA’s initiative, similar to what DOE is launching.

He explained that ASPA’s program was started twenty years ago but it was suspended in 2005- 2006. However, with assistance from the Department of Interior, it was re-launched last year. Utu said ASPA sent three students to Manukau, New Zealand to apprentice in electrical engineering, technician level and they will send two more in a few months.

“If they are successful in the technician stage, then we will have them continue in the full engineering program,” the ASPA CEO stated. “Electrical technicians are critical to the operation of a utility, as they can be assigned to power generation, power distribution, water division and sewer division.”

He said an apprentice goes to classes, learns theory, does practical work, goes to work for his sponsor or another company in New Zealand; goes back to school; and he or she cannot pass until an external assessor says he has made the cut.

The student has the flexibility and knowledge to continue to a full engineering program which is more academic. However, the "product" of this education/ training program is very valuable to employers. These people are also hard to find in the region. Fiji used to have plenty, Utu said, adding that many left for Australia and other countries.

Where else do you need technicians? he asked. “You need them to fix the CT Scanners or MRIs,” he replied.

He noted, “We also have apprentices for trades. These are the programs in diesel mechanics, electrical fitters, air conditioner mechanics, pipe fitters and so forth. You can go to this to program right out of high school and it does not require prerequisites in mathematics and the sciences.”

Utu further stated that apprenticeships teach the student good work habits such as being precise with the work, and the proper use of tools and instruments for trouble shooting. “They also inculcate patience plus provide algorithms for solving problems.”

The ASPA CEO explained, “We picked New Zealand many years ago because they follow the German model of training/ educating, which sandwiches work between classwork — and for the technician level, stresses theoretical understanding and practical application in the first year.”

He also pointed out that ASPA also have the Pacific Linemen Training program that was relaunched last year in American Samoa. “The trainer will be here to train the 19 or more young linemen and women apprentices hired last year. (Remember the ones on the Flag Day float?) “Line work requires fitness.”

Samoa News asked Utu afterwards, if ASPA has considered working with the college on this certain program and not limit it just to NVTHS, as there's a limited quota of students that can attend this school.

Utu responded, “We will work with any of the high schools and our community college. We gravitate towards Polytech because it is a poly_technical institution after all.”

In January 2014, the Honolulu District of the Army Corps of Engineers and the government of American Samoa signed a Memorandum of Agreement to formalize a partnership for the Honolulu District to sponsor STEM activities in American Samoa schools. The goal is to advance science, technology, engineering and math education in local schools.

This partnership aligns with the focus of the White House, Department of Education, and the Chief of Engineers to prepare students for STEM careers in the 21st Century global economy.