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.

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.

Dr. Escalante Community Library and Resource Center was created to enhance library services on the reservation in order to support literacy and educational achievement to promote the preservation of Yaqui culture and heritage. The library partners with local schools and public libraries to promote literacy initiatives between schools and families living on the reservation. 

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