SELLS, ARIZONA— Today, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva welcomed U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to Southern Arizona and accompanied him on a visit to the Tohono O’odham Nation. Rep. Grijalva and Secretary Cardona participated in a tour of Tohono O’odham Community College and a roundtable discussion with students, education leaders, and tribal leadership.

“Secretary Cardona brings a wealth of experience and a lifelong commitment to improving learning outcomes for students and ensuring that all have access to an excellent education,” said Rep. Grijalva. “I was proud to accompany him on his visit to the Tohono O’odham Nation and hear from students and education leaders about their experiences and the importance of tribal colleges. This is an administration that understands the legal and moral obligations of the government to government relationship, and I’m pleased to see thecommitment andinvestments the Biden Administration is making in tribal colleges and universities.”

As part of the Build Back Better Agenda, the Biden Administration is calling for a historic investment in universal pre-K, billions in funding to address teacher shortages, and free community college to ensure that first-time students and workers looking to reskill can earn a no-cost, career advancing degree.

“Creating new Native American educational opportunities is critical to building the next generation of Native leaders,” continued Rep. Grijalva. “I’m pleased the Biden Administration recognizes this critical task and is committed to investing in Native American communities, respecting tribal sovereignty, and working in tandem with tribes on the solutions that best serve their people.” 

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