| Community and Natural Resources (Land Grant)
Programs |
In 1981, ASCC was designated a Land Grant College.
Federal funds were provided to develop programs in agriculture,
family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development and forestry.
The three major components of the program are instruction, extension,
and research.
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| INSTRUCTION |
| At ASCC, the post-secondary agricultural related educational
programs are part of the Department of Agriculture and Life Sciences
(A&LS). Program offerings include a Certificate of Proficiency
in General Agriculture and an Associate of Science Degrees in General
Agriculture, Agribusiness, Family and Consumer Sciences and Natural
Resources. The certificate and degrees are designed to prepare the
students for on-island positions in these fields, as well as for transfer
to off-island schools. |
| EXTENSION |
| The Cooperative Extension Service offers community-based
educational programs and projects to enhance individual and group
decision-making towards improved living. Extension works closely with
farmers, homemakers and youth, as well as government and civic agencies.
The extension agents use the discoveries made by the research division
to help improve the quality of life for individuals and the community.
Extension programs are offered in the following areas: Agriculture,
Consumer Family Sciences, 4-H Youth and Forestry. |
| AGRICULTURE RESEARCH |
| The Hatch Act authorized by Congress in 1887 stipulates
the establishment of agricultural experiment stations in connection
with Land Grant colleges. These stations conduct scientific investigation
and experiments, and provide practical and useful information by publishing
bulletins or reports of progress. As a beneficiary of this Act, the
Research Division of the ASCC Land Grant Program adheres to these
guidelines. Furthermore, it tailors agricultural research specifically
to the environment, economy and culture of American Samoa. |
| The Research component is committed to applying rigorous
scientific standards as they test traditional agricultural practices,
as well as those selected from worldwide literature, for their efficacy
under local conditions, and to sharing the resulting knowledge with
the agricultural community at large. It strives to harmonize local
needs and interests with the national agenda by working closely with
the United States Department of Agriculture, sister Land Grant colleges,
regional institutions and local departments and agencies. |
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