Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMA — The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) and the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a collaborative framework for environmental stewardship.

Signed on February 10, 2026 by ASCC President Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato and ASEPA Director Edna Asalele Noga, this agreement aims to provide ASCC Criminal Justice Department (CJD) students with vital practical experience while strengthening American Samoa’s environmental enforcement capabilities.

Through this partnership, ASCC-CJD students will have access to specialized internship programs where they can gain supervised, hands-on experience in environmental investigation and compliance.

The collaboration also includes guest lectures from AS-EPA experts, joint research projects focused on environmental violations, and the development of new curricula specifically tailored to environmental law. These initiatives are designed to foster professional skills and prepare students for successful careers in law enforcement and public service.

ASEPA will provide the necessary data and resources to support student research and will collaborate with ASCC on community outreach events to promote responsible environmental practices.

To ensure the success of the program, ASEPA will monitor student progress through weekly reports, while the ASCC-CJD Chairperson will conduct bi-weekly site visits. This structured approach ensures that students receive high-quality mentorship while contributing meaningfully to the ASEPA mission of protecting American Samoa’s natural resources.

This MOU reflects a shared commitment to the political, economic, and environmental well-being of the community.

ASEPA Director Edna Asalele Noga highlighted the importance of this partnership, saying, “By integrating practical environmental enforcement into the academic experience, ASCC and AS-EPA are cultivating a new generation of leaders dedicated to safeguarding the islands' clean air, water, and land. This partnership remains in effect indefinitely, with both parties committed to ongoing cooperation and training for the benefit of our island home.”

For more information, please contact AS-EPA at info@epa.as.gov or (684) 633-2304.