Amata Cosponsors Bill To Promote STEM In American Samoa

Statement

Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is the original cosponsor on a bill introduced in May with Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan of CNMI to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educational opportunities in American Samoa and the Northern Marianas.

This legislation would boost opportunities for local students to gain exposure to real-world applications of science, engineering, technology and math (STEM) by including the Marianas and American Samoa in the Department of Defense STARBASE grant program.

This unique academic program supports the national priority of improving math and science skills using partnerships between military installations and schools. Qualifying schools have high proportions of economically or otherwise educationally disadvantaged students.

"The United States needs students in these fields for the future economy," said Aumua Amata. "The STARBASE program is an innovative way to show students what they could achieve as they explore these academic areas. I want to especially thank Congressman Sablan for his leadership on this effort."

In this national educational program, military personnel who excel in STEM fields work through STARBASE academies with fifth grade students. This interaction helps attract and prepare students at an early age to consider STEM coursework choices and potential careers. Then, STARBASE 2.0 focuses on middle school students in another format, an after-school, mentored program.

Specifically, the bill is H.R. 6786, which would amend title 10 of the United States Code, to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa in the definition of "State" for purposes of the Department of Defense STARBASE Program. This bill has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee.

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