The American Samoa College Research Foundation (ASCRF) invites the community to support the Territory’s college students. The ASCRF will hold its 1st Annual Golf Tournament this Saturday at the Ili’ili Golf Course in order to raise money, which the Foundation will use as a resource to provide students scholarships and professional development programs for the staff and faculty of the American Samoa Community College (ASCC). 

A non-profit organization initially incorporated in 1988, the American Samoa College Research Foundation, as described by Director Mrs. Alofia Afalava, “belongs to ASCC yet is still a stand-alone entity.” The “research” component of ASCRF involves providing the groundwork and resources for future expansion of the College. “The Foundation will help fund the research into new programs ASCC would like to offer,” said Afalava. “For example, if the College decided it would like to have another four-year program similar to the one it has for Teacher Education,   then the Foundation can help fund the research for that.”

ASCC President Dr. Rosevonne Pato, who serves as the Chairman of the ASCRF, this year revamped the Foundation with the goal of creating a platform to support the Territory’s future leaders.  In addition to facilitating the growth of the College, the ASCRF will establish scholarship programs for students in financial need, provide professional development opportunities for the faculty and staff, and support the continued success of educational resources unique to ASCC such as the Samoan Studies Institute.

As it works to achieve its aims, the Foundation will offer the community and especially the many alumni of ASCC the opportunity to support higher education in American Samoa. In addition to this weekend’s Golf Tournament, plans are in the works for a black-tie alumni event in November, as well as the establishment of an Alumni Hall of Fame for graduates of ASCC who contribute to the College’s continued success and growth. The ASCRF currently has an application for 501-C3 status on file with the IRS, which, upon approval, this will make donations to the Foundation tax-deductable.

“By supporting the Foundation, our local community, overseas alumni, and any interested individual or business can make a solid investment in not only the future leaders of American Samoa, but also, through the ASCC Samoan Studies Institute the preservation of our culture,” said Afalava.  With this weekend’s Golf Tournament the first step in getting the ASCRF established, the Foundation The invites community members to participate as the sponsor of a team, by making a contribution to the Foundation on behalf of an individual or a company, or by making or a donation of prizes and raffle items.  “We are very excited to get our community involved in this event and anticipate a highly successful and well-attended Golf Tournament,” said Afalava. 

To support the ASCRF Golf Tournament, contact Mrs. Alofia Afalava or Ms. Nathaidia Moea’i at ASCC by calling 731-1844 or 699-0754. Mrs. Afalava can also be reached via email at al.afalava@amsamoa.edu.