Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — National STEM Day was celebrated yesterday, November 8 to encourage kids to explore their interests in the core subjects — science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The observance traces back to 2015 when a toy company aimed to inspire kids to pursue STEM fields through play.

Congresswoman Congresswoman Uifa'atali Aumua Amata’s office released the following statement on the yearly event:

As the global economy continues to grow and technology brings our world closer together, STEM education is more important than ever. Thank you to our educators in American Samoa helping to ensure our students have the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in an increasingly technology-driven world. Math and science education are driving forces for the future of business, innovation, and our economy.

Pacific Islanders have an excellent opportunity to advance in STEM fields. These careers are not limited to major cities, offering our students the opportunity to contribute to the global workforce while remaining connected to their island communities. We must ensure that our children here are not being left behind by increasing opportunities to explore their abilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in our local schools.

I am committed with you to ensuring that the youth of American Samoa are afforded the same opportunities and resources as their counterparts in the states, at every level from Head Start and elementary schools to high school and college. I look forward to continuing to work with our territory’s education leaders and my colleagues in Congress to support STEM education and prepare the next generation for the opportunities ahead.

This year, Congress designated $3 million of the growing American Samoa operations fund at my request to support needs at ASCC, and our bill (the Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act, H.R. 6472) to provide students from the territories with in-state rates for university tuition is closer than ever. We’ve worked on this education policy for years, secured House-wide bipartisan support, and I will continue working for final passage.

The American Community Survey estimates that more than 41.6 million Americans ages 25 and older held a bachelor’s degree or higher in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or a related field in 2025, representing roughly 47 percent of all people with a bachelor’s degree or higher.