ASCC Students Lead ROV High School Competition

Although efforts to assist local high schools in developing science programs and to recruit students into the STEM disciplines at all five community colleges has been delayed due to the safety recommendations by the CDC, ASCC was able to conduct outreach in compliance with CDC’s guidelines. The ASCC Marine Science program joined efforts with Fagatele Bay’s National Marine Sanctuary to provide ROV training to middle and high school students. In April 2021, the MATE American Samoa Regional ROV Competition was held. Three current and two former graduate students from ASCC’s Marine Science program volunteered at the event. The effort was managed by Ingrid Papalii (ASCC Marine Science Teacher Assistant). This training led to a 10 team competition from 7 different schools. The MATE regional competition was well represented and the water portion was held in the newly constructed Pala Lagoon pool. Interviews and presentations were held in the Department of Youth and Women Affairs (DYWA) conference room.