The Smart Community Council USA has announced the launching of the SMART Education Exchange (SEE) Pacific Islands Project, beginning in American Samoa and expanding across the Pacific region. The project is designed to strengthen K–12 education and workforce development by equipping educators with innovative tools and resources to prepare students for future-ready careers.
Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula underscored the importance of the recently launched American Job Center, stating: “Providing the people of American Samoa with greater access to job opportunities, professional guidance, and holistic support is essential to strengthening our community. I commend the Department of Human Resources and its partners for their collaborative efforts and vision. This partnership will undoubtedly benefit the people of American Samoa and serve as a cornerstone for future growth and opportunity.” The American Job Center is federally mandated in all states and territories. The local center is administered by DHR WIOA and its core partners.
Concurrently and in alignment with government funded initiatives, the SEE platform will serve as a cornerstone for building the future workforce required to support Smart Regenerative Communities projects across the Pacific. By integrating workforce training programs with cutting-edge educational resources, SEE will empower educators to deliver high-quality learning experiences aligned with the evolving needs of resilient, technology-driven communities.
Unlike traditional “sustainable” projects that aim to minimize harm, these regenerative communities’ projects are designed to give back more than they take. Smart projects combine digital innovation, smart learning environments and living labs, infrastructure, education, and environmental restoration to create living systems where people, economies, and ecosystems thrive together.
Kathryn McCutchan, Executive Director of Empowering Pacific Island Communities (EPIC) and Pacific Youth and Community Development, highlighted the broader impact: “The SMART Education Exchange for the Pacific Islands initiative, beginning here in American Samoa, represents a powerful commitment to expanding access to education, workforce development, and inclusive opportunities for our people. Together, we will strengthen program sustainability while developing new pathways that empower learners and communities across the Pacific Islands.”
