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) consists of 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 passed in 1934 to ensure the Native American children receive the educational opportunities that would not otherwise be provided. YES provides special services to meet the unique and specialized educational needs of the Yaqui students attending public schools. 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.

Community and Adult Education Program is comprised of three programs. Tech Ania has two programs, Intel Clubhouse and Community Resource Lab. The Intel Clubhouse provides Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) after school activities for youth 8-18 years old. The Community Resource Lab is an educational computer lab geared to provide computer access to community members. 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 the reading, math, and language skills. Classes are small and the learning atmosphere is friendly and supportive.

We honor the legacy of Dr. Fernando Escalante’s commitment to language preservation and education by proudly providing excellent library services to the community members of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. we continue to flourish as we provide expanded services digitally across the nation and extended 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

MEET OUR DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Serina Preciado

• Director of Education
• Email: serina.preciado@pascuayaqui-nsn.gov
• Phone: (520)879-5064

Please follow us on Facebook @PYTeducation and on Instagram @pyteducation.