Rep. Sánchez hosts U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in 38th Congressional District

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona visited schools and colleges in the 38th Congressional District. During their tour, Congresswoman Sánchez and Secretary Cardona spoke with students and educators about ongoing efforts to recover from the pandemic and connect students to high-quality workforce opportunities.

Congresswoman Sánchez and Secretary Cardona visited Río Hondo College in Whittier, CA and El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera, CA.

"It was an honor to host Secretary Cardona in our district today and show him first-hand the incredible work our schools are doing to help students succeed not just in the classroom, but long after they graduate, too," said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. "At Río Hondo College, the Secretary and I had the chance to connect with students in the HOPE Scholars Program where we discussed some of the challenges college students face today, from housing to food insecurity. I am proud to announce that Río Hondo College was one of five colleges in the country to recently receive a grant for almost $1 million from the Department of Education that will help address some of these basic needs. Since day one, the Biden Administration has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring every student has what they need to succeed. Today's visit further highlights that commitment, and I'm grateful to the Secretary for being here."

"It is a pleasure to be here today with Congresswoman Sánchez to meet with students and educators in Southern California," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "If this pandemic taught us anything, it is that we need to meet students where they are to ensure they can leave the classroom and thrive in our communities. I am incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Sánchez and to our hosts at Río Hondo College and El Rancho High School for having me today."

At Río Hondo College, Congresswoman Sánchez and Secretary Cardona met with Río Hondo College Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss, Director of Student Life and Leadership Shaina Phillips, and students from the HOPE Scholars Program. At a roundtable event, the group discussed the need for support programs to help meet students' basic needs such as housing and food security.

Congresswoman Sánchez and Secretary Cardona were pleased to share that Río Hondo College was recently awarded a grant under the Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program, which supports programs that address the basic needs of students and elevate practices that improve student outcomes. Congresswoman Sánchez previously visited Río Hondo College in July 2021 to highlight the $28 million the College received through the American Rescue Plan.

Congresswoman Sánchez and Secretary Cardona then joined California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, El Rancho Unified School District Superintendent Frances Esparza, and El Rancho High School students to tour several classes and learn more about the school's Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) program. The group also discussed how student and staff COVID-19 testing clinics have helped to mitigate the spread of the virus. In June 2021, Congresswoman Sánchez delivered over $16 million to El Rancho Unified School District as part of the American Rescue Plan's Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III).

Congresswoman Sánchez continued: "A good K-12 education opens opportunities for the next generation. This is especially true in neighborhoods just like Pico Rivera, where many students are the first generation in their family to attend high school in the United States. The programs offered at El Rancho High School -- from English-learning classes to the STEAM program -- ensure that every student can succeed. It was my honor to share El Rancho High School and all it has to offer with Secretary Cardona today."

Source