The National Science Foundation (NSF) just approved and funded a regional STEM education grant entitled NSF-ATE: Partnership for Advanced Marine and Environmental Science Training for Pacific Islanders. This grant, supported by $900,000 in funds over three years, will enhance marine and environmental science education at the five minority-serving community colleges of the Pacific Islands: American Samoa Community College, the College of Micronesia-FSM, the College of the Marshall Islands, Northern Marianas College, and Palau Community College. The project will support curriculum development, the professional development of the college faculty, internships and field experiences for students, and strengthen the scientific infrastructure of the participating institutions. The focus will be on island ecosystems and climate change science, and activities will include expanded use of new tools and technologies, and support for student internships and research experiences.

The Principal Investigator is Dr. Bob Richmond, Research Professor and Director of the Kewalo Marine Laboratory. The Co-PI's include Dr. Patrick Tellei, President of Palau Community College (PCC), Vernice Yuzi, PCC Faculty, and Don Hess, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs for the College of the Marshall Islands. Over 1,000 Pacific Island students have benefited from the support provided by NSF for the regional community colleges through two previous NSF-ATE grants to Bob Richmond and his colleagues.