By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
ARNEL Gruspe, executive director of STEMify CNMI and technology instructor at Island Training Solutions, was recognized as a Micro:bit Champion for the second time, having previously held the title for the 2025–2026 program.
Once again, he has achieved a rare distinction in global technology education, having been selected to serve the 2026–2027 cohort, building upon his successful tenure in the previous program.
Founded in 2016, the London-based Micro:bit Educational Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping every child achieve their best digital future. In March, it announced the 2026–2027 Champions cohort, selecting Gruspe from a highly competitive global applicant pool.
“Being selected once was an honor. Being selected again validates the impact we’re making in the CNMI and across the Pacific. This recognition reflects not just my work, but the incredible potential of our students and the growing strength of STEM education in our islands,” Gruspe said.
In his first year as Champion, Gruspe integrated Micro:bit technology across multiple robot platforms, including his entrepreneurship courses in Da’ok Academy’s Summer Exploration program.
His achievement is particularly significant given the highly selective nature of consecutive appointments. Many applicants compete for limited positions each year, and maintaining Champion status for multiple terms requires excellence in community engagement, educational impact, and innovative use of the Micro:bit platform.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
