Le Vasa Pathways' Proposal for NOAA MET Grant

Le Vasa Pathways Charts a Course for Future Marine Scientists with NOAA Grant Proposal!

We at Le Vasa Pathways are thrilled to announce the successful submission of our proposal for the NOAA 2025 Marine Education and Training (MET) Mini-Grant Program on February 28, 2025! This proposal is dedicated to supporting our vital American Samoa Community College (ASCC) Marine Science Scholarship Program, a key initiative in our commitment to cultivating the next generation of ocean stewards in American Samoa.

Photo credit: ASCC

The ASCC Marine Science Scholarship Program is designed to address the pressing need for skilled professionals in the critical fields of fisheries and ocean resource management within American Samoa. Through this program, we aim to support two promising students in their pursuit of an Associate of Science degree in Marine Science at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC). The scholarship will provide approximately 65% of the cost of tuition and fees for each student throughout their two-year, full-time academic journey.

However, our commitment extends beyond financial aid. The program is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience through several key components:

• Summer Internships: Each scholarship recipient will participate in a six-week summer internship. These internships will be hosted by local environmental resource management agencies, offering invaluable hands-on experience.

• Mentorship and Academic Support: Throughout their two years at ASCC, the students will receive monthly mentorship from Le Vasa Pathways' Education Coordinators. These sessions will focus on academic progress, course guidance, and tutoring, as well as the development of a required fisheries-related research project.

• Fisheries Management Participation: In a unique opportunity for direct engagement, the students will have the chance to participate in the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s (WPRFMC) American Samoa Advisory Panel meetings and Fishery Ecosystem Plan Advisory Panel Meetings, gaining firsthand insight into the processes that shape marine resource management in the region.

Photo credit: NOAA Fisheries

How will this program make a difference in American Samoa? We believe this scholarship program will be a significant step towards:

• Building Local Expertise: By providing financial support and practical training, the program will increase the number of local residents with degrees in marine-related fields. This will directly contribute to the skilled workforce needed to effectively manage American Samoa's precious marine resources.

• Fostering a Culture of Ocean Stewardship: Engaging young people in marine science education and providing them with career pathways will cultivate a deep sense of responsibility and stewardship towards American Samoa’s ocean resources.

• Strengthening Community Collaboration: This program will enhance the partnerships between Le Vasa Pathways, the American Samoa Community College, and key local environmental resource management agencies, creating a stronger network dedicated to marine science education and resource management.

• Creating Pathways to Opportunity: Investing in the education and training of local students will open up new economic opportunities within the community in marine-related professions.

This impactful program is made possible through the collaboration and support of several key partner agencies and institutions:

• American Samoa Community College (ASCC): ASCC will provide the academic foundation through their Marine Science degree program and will collaborate on student selection and provide facilities for mentorship sessions.

• American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA): AS-EPA will serve as a host agency for summer internships, providing students with practical experience in environmental resource management.

• American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR): DMWR will also host summer interns, offering insights into fisheries and wildlife management.

• American Samoa Department of Commerce (ASDOC): ASDOC will provide internship opportunities, allowing students to learn about the role of commerce in marine resource management.

• National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS): NMSAS will also host interns, offering experience in marine conservation and protected area management.

• Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC): Through a Memorandum of Agreement, WPRFMC will allow scholarship recipients to participate in their advisory panel meetings, providing a direct connection to fisheries management decision-making.

  

  Photo credit: DMWR

Le Vasa Pathways is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of fisheries and ocean resource management in American Samoa. We rely on grants and voluntary contributions to support our essential programs. The NOAA MET Mini-Grant would provide crucial resources to launch this important scholarship program and empower the future stewards of American Samoa's marine environment.

We are optimistic about the potential of the American Samoa Community College Marine Science Scholarship Program to make a lasting positive impact on our community and its invaluable ocean resources. We look forward to sharing updates on our proposal and the progress of this exciting initiative!