Embedded Files
The Inclusive-Emergency Management (iEM) program at PCHS, under PACIFIC Atamai, offers an Associate of Science degree that equips students with the knowledge and skills to become effective and inclusive emergency managers.
The program prepares students to plan for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and emergencies with an emphasis on inclusion, equity, and accessibility for all community members, including individuals with disabilities, marginalized populations, and other vulnerable groups.
Our first cohort is set to graduate in May 2026, with approximately 20 prospective graduates ready to serve and strengthen the resilience of American Samoa and the broader Pacific community.
Why inclusive-Emergency Management?
The iEM program emphasizes that effective emergency management must include everyone. By prioritizing accessibility and cultural inclusion, the program addresses long-standing “lessons learned” in disaster response, particularly those related to disability access and functional needs.
Through iEM, students gain the tools to bridge the gap between emergency management, community capacity, and cultural resilience, ensuring that preparedness and recovery efforts are both inclusive and sustainable.
Possible Career Pathways
Graduates of the iEM program will be well-prepared for careers such as:
Disability Integration Advisor/Specialist
Access Functional Needs Specialist
Emergency Manager (FEMA, State, local, non-profit, private sector)
Hospital Emergency Preparedness Administrator
iEM Brochure (bifold)
iEM Flyer (half page)
iEM in 2024 - 2026 Catalog (Human Security Dept. pg. 82-84)
2024 - 2026 ASCC General Catalog
Saili le Atamai - Inclusive-Emergency Management
Project Manager and Chairperson Rosalee Shoulders brings FEMA Integration Team Liaison, Alex Baker to talk to host, Fatima Langkilde about the new associate's degree program that will offered starting this Fall 2024, as well as the importance of why our community needs more emergency management professionals, and why our degree is unique, focusing on our vulnerable populations, such as our aging and people with disabilities groups.
Our 2024 - 2026 Scholarship Cohort/Trainees
Click here to see our list of scholars.
Human Security Dept. Advisory Council
Click here to see our Human Security Department Advisory Council.
The development of this degree program is funded by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Administration for Native Americans - Social Economic Development: Project Inclusive-Emergency Management Program and Leadership Opportunity for Youth (i-EMPLOY) award #90NA8492-01-00. Awarded to the Pacific Center in Human Security, formerly AS-University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD).
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