Three Am Samoa elementary educators named for STEM grants

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Society for Science has provided STEM Research Grants to three American Samoa elementary educators. They are Ms. Renee Finau (Pago Elem.), Ms. Sulieta Togia (AP Lutali Elem.), and Ms. Vineta Tagaloa (Mt. Alava Elem.)

Grants totaling $135,000 have been awarded to 95 teachers from the United States, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay.

Earlier Samoa News reported on the high school recipient, Ms. Claire Bacus, of Tafuna High School.

Ms. Tagaloa of Mt. Alava Elementary School in her bio thanked the Society saying, “First of all, I would like to thank the STEM committee for selecting me as one of the recipients for this grant. I am very grateful for this opportunity that I am about to receive. I know that this grant will not only help me with my teaching career, but it will also help my students expand their knowledge in researching and experimenting using technology.”

Both Ms Finau and Ms. Togia were also listed as grant recipients, however, no bios or photos were provided on the Society of Science website.

Recipients will receive research kits and funds to be used for STEM-related equipment, such as lab supplies or software.

These kits and funding, sponsored by Regeneron and National Geographic, will help the teachers facilitate scientific inquiry.

The kits contain the tools students need to learn about electronics, conducting research animal monitoring, water quality and more.

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