WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona is embarking on a pivotal journey across multiple states in September to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to public education. The 2024 Back to School Bus Tour, themed “Fighting for Public Education,” is set to visit Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. With an agenda focused on enhancing student achievement and showcasing educational investments, the tour will highlight how schools and communities are leveraging federal support to foster academic success.
Secretary Cardona is joined by a distinguished team of officials, including U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden. This collaborative effort aims to celebrate the transformative impact of public education and the administration’s efforts to support students from diverse backgrounds.
Starting the morning of Tuesday, September 3rd, in Wisconsin, the tour will address key educational initiatives, particularly those benefiting underserved communities. Secretary Cardona will draw attention to the administration’s focus on accountability, grants, and technical assistance to drive academic recovery. The emphasis will be on preserving native languages and ensuring quality education for all students, including those in rural and urban settings.
As the tour progresses to Illinois and Indiana, the focus will shift to the importance of regular student attendance, facilitated in part by partnerships like that with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee. The agenda also includes expanding Career and Technical Education for adult learners and improving access to community colleges. Notably, CDC Director Mandy Cohen will join to discuss the health dimensions of education.
In Michigan, Secretary Cardona will engage with borrowers who have benefited from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, discussing how debt relief initiatives are empowering educators. The visit will also highlight efforts to bolster teacher recruitment and retention amid a national focus on addressing the youth mental health crisis. NEA President Becky Pringle will accompany the Secretary for these discussions.
The tour concludes Friday afternoon, September 6th, in Pennsylvania with a spotlight on full-service community schools. These institutions play a critical role in addressing food security, offering mental health supports, and enhancing student outcomes. During the final leg of the tour, Secretary Vilsack and AFT President Randi Weingarten will join Secretary Cardona to celebrate the multifaceted role of education in community well-being.
Throughout the week, Secretary Cardona, along with Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten and Under Secretary James Kvaal, will participate in various events, engaging directly with students, parents, and educators. These interactions aim to underscore the administration’s dedication to advancing public education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to succeed.
The Back to School Bus Tour not only highlights the strides made in public education but also serves as a call to action for continued investment and innovation in the sector. As the events unfold, they will provide a platform to showcase effective strategies and celebrate the institutions that are pivotal in shaping the future of American education. This nationwide initiative reaffirms the administration’s steadfast commitment to educational excellence and equity for all students.
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