Fuiava Environmental Science Scholarship

Funded by

Nathan Fuiava

Eligibility Requirements

Education Level:

High school senior or undergraduate student

Background:

Pacific Islander, students from American Samoa preferred

Field of Study:

Environmental science, protection, etc.

Education Level:

Background:

Field of Study:

High school senior or undergraduate student

Pacific Islander, students from American Samoa preferred

Environmental science, protection, etc.

Protecting the environment, especially in the face of climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of our time.

For Samoa and other Pacific Islands, the impacts of rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and damage to coral reefs are not distant threats—they are happening now and affecting our land, ocean, and way of life. Living on vulnerable islands shows the deep connection between people and place. Growing up surrounded by the ocean shows that the environment isn’t something separate—it’s part of who we are.

This scholarship aims to support young Samoans who feel a responsibility to care for our environment, guided by the values of fa‘a Samoa—respect, service, family, and love for the land and sea that sustain us.

Any Pacific Islander high school senior or undergraduate student who is pursuing environmental science or environmental protection may apply for this scholarship opportunity, but applicants from American Samoa are preferred. One undergraduate student will be awarded $1,000 and one high school senior will be awarded $500.

To apply, tell us about your interest in protecting the environment, how you’ve taken action to care for your community, how you hope to make a difference through your career, what challenges you have faced, and how you live out Fa’a Samoa values.

Selection Criteria:

Ambition, Drive, Impact

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Published December 10, 2025

Essay Topic

1. What inspired your interest in protecting the environment or addressing climate change, and how does your Pacific Islander heritage influence that passion?

2. Describe a time when you took action—big or small—to care for your community or the environment. What did you learn from the experience?

3. How do you hope to make a difference for the Pacific Islands through your future studies or career?

4. What challenges have you faced in pursuing your education, and how have you worked to overcome them?

5. Fa‘a Samoa teaches us the values of service, respect, and responsibility. How do you live out these values in your daily life, and how will they shape your journey as a leader?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

April 2026

Winners

Makayla Atoigue1st PLACE

Brown University

Providence, RI

Damon Rodney Agulto2nd PLACE

Spring Early College Academy

Spring, TX

Finalists

Kearin Hunt

Montclair High School

Montclair, NJ

Sakura Parr

John Hardin High School

Elizabethtown, KY

Ava Langub

Allatoona High School

Acworth, GA

Emily Halim

University of California-Santa Cruz

San Diego, CA

Winning Applications

Makayla Atoigue

Brown UniversityProvidence, RI

Damon Rodney Agulto

Spring Early College AcademySpring, TX

I come from Saipan, one of the islands in the Northern Mariana Islands in the western Pacific. Our island has a unique history shaped by many cultures, including a strong Japanese influence during the early 1900s when Saipan was administered by Japan before World War II. Today, that influence is still present in our food, architecture, language, and daily life. Many families enjoy Japanese dishes alongside Chamorro and Carolinian traditions. Historical sites such as those connected to the war, including areas near Banzai Cliff, remind us of our shared history. Beyond physical reminders, Japanese cultural values such as discipline, respect, and harmony with nature have blended with Pacific Islander traditions, shaping who we are as a community. Living on a small island inspired my passion for protecting the environment. Climate change is not distant for us—it is visible in rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and stronger typhoons. The ocean surrounds us; it feeds us, supports tourism, and carries our stories. As a Pacific Islander, I was raised to respect the land and sea because they are part of our identity. Japanese cultural ideas about living in balance with nature reinforce that belief. Together, these influences have made environmental protection feel like both a personal duty and a cultural responsibility. One way I have taken action was by participating in a local beach clean-up. While it may seem small, picking up plastic and debris along our shoreline made a strong impression on me. I saw firsthand how pollution threatens marine life and the beauty of our island. Working alongside neighbors and friends taught me that change begins with community effort. I learned that leadership is not always about big speeches or major projects; sometimes it is about consistently showing up and taking responsibility. In the future, I hope to study environmental science or marine biology so I can help protect island ecosystems. I want to focus on sustainable solutions that preserve coral reefs, fisheries, and coastal communities across the Pacific. My goal is to return what I learn back to islands like Saipan by supporting climate resilience efforts and promoting environmental education. I hope to become someone who bridges scientific knowledge with cultural understanding to protect our home for future generations. Pursuing education from a small island comes with challenges. Opportunities and resources can be limited compared to larger cities, and financial barriers can make higher education difficult. However, I have worked to overcome these challenges by applying for scholarships, using online learning tools, and staying focused on my long-term goals. Growing up in a close-knit community has taught me resilience and determination. Instead of letting obstacles discourage me, I use them as motivation to succeed. The values of Fa‘a Samoa—service, respect, and responsibility—are shared across many Pacific cultures and strongly influence how I live. I practice service by helping my family and volunteering when I can. I show respect by honoring elders, traditions, and the environment. I take responsibility by understanding that my actions affect not just me, but my entire community. These values guide my daily life and will shape me into a leader who serves with humility and works to protect the Pacific Islands for generations to come.