(Saipan, CNMI – July 17, 2024) – Students in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) are set to benefit from an exciting new initiative aimed at enhancing STEM education. An effort driven by Saipan native and Google employee Adeleyah Mojica, in partnership with the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation (RECF) and supported by Google, will bring cutting-edge robotics programs to public high schools in Saipan. This initiative is also supported by the generous contribution of Triple J, who is providing free shipping for the necessary equipment.

The initiative will launch with a pilot grant in both Marianas High School and Kagman High School, introducing students to the world of robotics and digital skills. The program is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators, giving them hands-on experience with advanced technology and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The hope is that the pilot grant will demonstrate such strong success and compelling metrics that it will evolve into a long-term program, providing resources to compete at a high level.

"This program represents an incredible opportunity for our students to engage with STEM in a way that is both practical and inspiring," said Mike Sablan, Vice President of Triple J. "We are proud to support this initiative by ensuring the equipment arrives safely in Saipan. It’s about giving back to our community and investing in the future of our youth."

Through the partnership, Adeleyah has been working closely with RECF to ensure that students in the CNMI have access to the same high-quality STEM education as their peers worldwide. The introduction of robotics programs is expected to ignite students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, preparing them for future careers in these fields.

"Bringing robotics to our public high schools is a game-changer for education in the CNMI," said Adeleyah Mojica, Executive Business Partner for Google. "This initiative will provide students with valuable skills and experiences that will open doors to future opportunities. We are thrilled to see the impact this program will have on their education and their lives. I hope this also inspires others who have roots in Saipan to find ways to give back to our island community, supporting and making a positive impact on the next generation."

The Robotics Education and Competition Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to enhancing student engagement in STEM through robotics and competition-based learning. By partnering with Google and receiving logistical support from Triple J, the foundation is bringing this mission to life in Saipan.

The robotics program aims to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where students can explore their interests in STEM. With the introduction of these new resources, students will be able to participate in robotics competitions, collaborate on projects, and develop a deeper understanding of technological concepts.

Dr. Marifi Doculan of Marianas High School and Maria Ornes of Kagman High School, the leads for their respective schools, expressed their excitement about the program. Dr. Doculan stated, "This pilot grant is a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage with cutting-edge technology and develop skills that will be essential in their future careers. It will revolutionize the way our students approach learning, making it more interactive and hands-on. We believe this will not only enhance their educational experience but also inspire them to pursue careers in STEM fields, where they can continue to innovate and make significant contributions. We are deeply grateful to Google, RECF, and Triple J for making this program possible and for their commitment to our students' futures." Maria Ornes added, "We are thrilled at Kagman High School about the new robotics equipment arriving! It's going to transform the way our students learn and engage with problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Students will have the chance to explore, experiment, and innovate in ways that were previously not possible. We can't wait to see what they'll create and accomplish with the new robotics equipment and the incredible learning opportunities it will provide. This journey of discovery and growth will be amazing for everyone involved! We want to express our deepest thanks and gratitude to Google, the REC Foundation, and Triple J for creating possibilities for our students by sponsoring this pilot program, and a special shout-out to Adeleyah Mojica for being the spark of innovation for CNMI students.”

Dr. Lawrence Camacho, Commissioner of Education and Superintendent of CNMI Public School System, also expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. "This is a monumental step forward for our education system in the CNMI. The introduction of robotics programs in our high schools is an exciting development that will provide our students with unique opportunities to learn and grow. We are committed to supporting this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our students and their future prospects."

For the students of CNMI, this initiative promises to be a transformative experience, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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