OIA Funds Close Up Program Youth Summits in the Territories

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) today announced that $100,000 in Technical Assistance Program funds will be awarded to supplement the 2024 Insular Area Close Up Program previously announced in April 2024. This additional support will fund local youth summits in the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands where students will explore policies and laws important to territorial governments, legislatures, and local communities.

“We are pleased to support experiential learning opportunities for youth about the democratic, governmental institutions and important issues in each of the territories,” said Carmen G. Cantor, Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs. “This program plays an important role in inspiring the next generation of civic leaders for the future, and to which we are fully committed.”

Funded through the Office of Insular Affairs Technical Assistance Program since 1987, the Close Up Insular Areas Program provides civic education opportunities for students and educators from the Insular Areas both at the local and federal level. The Close Up Insular Areas Program has inspired many island leaders and continues to be supported every year by the U.S. Congress.

The Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs and the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) carry out the Secretary of the Interior’s responsibilities for the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, OIA administers and oversees federal assistance under the Compacts of Free Association to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. The OIA also administers a discretionary Technical Assistance Program for all the Insular Areas. Find information about OIA and its work on www.doi.gov/oia, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

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