Congressman Ciscomani Celebrates Back-to-School Season by Highlighting Major Investments in Southern Arizona Schools and Workforce Training

Tucson, AZ - As students and families across Arizona's Sixth Congressional District prepare to head back to school, Congressman Juan Ciscomani is highlighting the local education and workforce investments he has preliminarily secured to expand opportunities for students across Southern Arizona.

As Arizona's only member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Ciscomani has made investing in education and workforce development a top priority, championing resources that prepare students for success in the classroom, the workforce, and beyond.

Through his work on the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Ciscomani has secured preliminary funding for transformational projects that will strengthen Southern Arizona's workforce and create new opportunities for students.

Among the investments is funding for Pima JTED's Workforce Training Center for Technological Innovation, a new 50,000-square-foot facility that will expand career and technical education opportunities for more than 500 additional students each year. The center will prepare students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades, engineering, robotics, semiconductor manufacturing, mining, and other critical industries, helping meet Arizona's growing workforce needs.

Congressman Ciscomani also secured preliminary funding for Pima Community College's Project Catalyst, an initiative that will modernize engineering classrooms, expand access to STEM education, and strengthen workforce training programs that prepare students for high-paying careers in Arizona's rapidly growing economy. Together, these investments reflect Congressman Ciscomani's commitment to expanding educational opportunities, strengthening Southern Arizona's workforce, and building pathways to economic success.

Congressman Ciscomani's advocacy has been recognized by local education leaders.

"Pima Community College is grateful to Congressman Juan Ciscomani and the House Appropriations Committee for their support of the college's Project Catalyst," said Dr. Jeffrey Nasse, chancellor of Pima Community College. "These dollars will support the college's continuing efforts to keep our workforce programs in STEM--including pre-engineering--and business fields up to date and relevant to rapidly changing workforce needs in these fields."

In addition to these local investments clearing the first major hurdle in the legislative process, Congressman Ciscomani has championed strong federal support for students and educators nationwide through the Fiscal Year 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The legislation provides:

• $40.2 billion for K-12 education.
• $12.3 billion for Head Start, expanding access to early childhood education for working families.
• $15.5 billion for special education, including a $49 million increase to support students with disabilities.

"As a father of six, I know firsthand the excitement, anticipation, and hope that comes with every back-to-school season," said Congressman Ciscomani. "Every student deserves the chance to succeed, whether they are learning to read, preparing for college, or pursuing a skilled trade. In Congress, I have always fought to invest in our classrooms, support our teachers, and expand workforce training, so every student in Southern Arizona can build a successful future right here at home. I grew up as a Pell Grant recipient, and that opportunity and meaningful support truly changed my life. That's why I'm committed to defending these opportunities for the next generation through my work on the Appropriations Committee."

Families and students can also watch Congressman Ciscomani's back-to-school message HERE.

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