Departments

Education

Education Department Mission:

2024 Pascua Yaqui Tribe Regional Needs and Assets Report

Develop a path for lifelong learning through Educational Services while promoting Yaqui Heritage and Tribal Self Sufficiency for members of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.

Intent Behind the Mission:

Support tribal self-sufficiency
Develop life-long learners
Create a pipeline of student services to promote academic achievement and educational attainment
Promote and preserve the Hiaki language
Remove the barriers to student success
Improve tribal economic opportunity

Department Services:

Early Childhood “Ili Uusim Mahtawapo” (Where Little Children are Taught) is a Head Start program serving both Head Start eligible children and tribal members ages 3-5. Ili Usim Mahtawapo offers a curriculum that integrates the Hiaki language and school readiness, which includes language development, literacy, mathematics, science, creative arts, social and emotional development, new approaches to learning and physical health development. Nutrition, health and disability, and family/community services are coordinated by staff to assist families in the overall health, wellness, and educational readiness of their children.

Yaqui Education Services(YES) comprises the K12 and Higher Education Programs. YES uses Johnson O’Malley and tribal support funds to support existing programs within the public schools. The Johnson O’Malley Act was passed in 1934 to ensure that Native American children receive educational opportunities that would not otherwise be provided. YES provides special services to meet the unique and specialized educational needs of Yaqui public school students. The Higher Education Program offers funding for tuition and other related costs at accredited post-secondary institutions.

The Higher Education Assistance Program (HEAP) offers supplemental assistance with tuition and other related fees to pursue a degree at an approved accredited post-secondary institution. An approved institution is a regionally accredited public, not-for-profit community college or university. Applicants must be enrolled members of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and registered in required courses at their institution.

The Adult and Continuing Education program offers Adult Basic Education and GED classes preparing students with employability skills. The classes help students work toward acquiring the skills necessary to obtain the GED or improve their reading, math, and language skills. Classes are small and the learning atmosphere is friendly and supportive.

We honor Dr. Fernando Escalante’s legacy of commitment to language preservation and education by proudly providing excellent library services to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s community members. We continue to flourish as we expand digital services nationwide and extend programming to our Old Pascua, South Tucson, Marana, Coolidge, and Guadalupe community members.

Office Location
5100 W. Calle Tetakusim, Tucson, AZ 85757-9308
Phone: (520) 883-5050
Fax: (520) 883-5049