FIRST Global Challenge | Incheon, South Korea

FGC 2026 Team American Samoa, hosted by Oceania Community Development Network (OceaniaCDN), brings together students from across American Samoa with experience and interest in STEAM, robotics, and technology. Through its focus on STEAM education, workforce development, and community resilience, OceaniaCDN works with American Samoa Community College 4H Program and its STEAM Education Initiative partners to connect young people with learning, mentorship, and future career opportunities.

The 2026 travel team includes returning members David Sauafea, a senior at Samoana High School, and Tulaga Lagai, a senior at Fa’asao Marist High School, who represented American Samoa at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge in Panama. With only six days to assemble, build, program, and prepare their robot last year, they gained valuable experience in problem-solving, teamwork, perseverance, and international collaboration. This year, they return to help lead and share those lessons with their teammates.

Joining them as first-time FGC participants are  Josephine Stanley, a senior at Tafuna High School; Ethan Lake, a junior at South Pacific Academy;; and Tupu Vaouli, a junior at Pacific Horizon School. Together, the five students bring different experiences and perspectives while sharing a common goal—to learn, innovate, work as a team, and proudly represent American Samoa.

The team is supported by mentors Etuale Noga, OceaniaCDN Executive Director and Team Facilitator; Jenward Montalbo, Pacific Horizon School robotics and ROV educator; and Leilani Galeai, a recent Duke University Computer Science graduate and former OceaniaCDN ATINAʻE Scholarship recipient who has returned home and is volunteering to help inspire and support the next generation of STEAM scholars.

The 2026 FIRST Global Challenge focuses on wildfire, challenging young people to use robotics, science, technology, engineering, and collaboration to explore solutions to an issue affecting communities and environments around the world.

As Team American Samoa travels to Incheon, South Korea, they carry more than a robot—they carry the pride of their families, schools, partners, and community. Through FGC, these young people will build new skills, create international friendships, experience different cultures, and demonstrate that students from our small island community can bring valuable ideas, innovation, and a unique Pacific perspective to solving global challenges.

One Team. One Island Community. Representing American Samoa. 🇦🇸

Team Media

fgcamericansamoa@gmail.com

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