The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians considers a quality education critical for the survival of our culture and a necessity to maintain the economic and cultural welfare of our Tribal Nation.  San Manuel wishes to ensure the future viability of the Tribe by providing a quality education to our children and for future generations.

San Manuel recognizes that educational attainment and achievement are critical to providing the skills and knowledge that all tribal members will need to ensure the survival of the Tribe. San Manuel is dedicated to providing tribal members with access to quality educational opportunities from early childhood and throughout life.

Additionally, San Manuel is committed to assisting our tribal members and their children in maintaining an education that is culturally relevant.  The Tribe has a significant interest in ensuring that our children receive an education in Serrano culture, history, and language. 

San Manuel’s commitment to education also extends beyond the borders of the San Manuel reservation.  In keeping with the Tribe’s belief in education’s vital role in creating a vibrant and strong community, the Department of Education also serves on advisory boards for several local educational organizations on behalf of the Tribe.  In addition to the goal of creating broad-based educational programs, the Department is also actively working with San Manuel endowment recipients: California State University, San Bernardino and the University of California, Los Angeles.

San Manuel Education Committee

The Education Committee is a standing committee of the San Manuel Tribe, appointed by the General Council in February 2006.  The Education Committee is comprised of tribal members who facilitate San Manuel’s educational vision.  This Committee was delegated with the responsibility of overseeing the educational needs of the Tribe.  The Education Committee is also responsible for guiding the development and administration of the San Manuel educational system.

Department of Education

The purpose of the San Manuel Department of Education is to assist in implementing the Tribe’s educational vision.  Given its relatively new position in the San Manuel government, the Department continues to build its administrative foundation, expand existing educational services and programs, and continue in developing exciting educational opportunities for tribal members.

Serrano Language Revitalization Project (SLRP)

The Serrano Language Revitalization Project’s mission is to ensure the continuation of the Serrano language.  SLRP aids in the teaching and documentation of the language through developing materials such as grammars, dictionaries, and educational multimedia.  SLRP seeks to promote and sustain San Manuel’s unique linguistic heritage.  All of the project’s efforts go toward the ultimate goal of teaching tribal members to speak Serrano so it can be used in everyday communication. 

The San Manuel Learning Resource Center

The goal of the San Manuel Learning Resource Center is to provide San Manuel tribal members with the necessary tools and skills needed to successfully navigate their educational and career endeavors.  Through indigenous methods and culturally relevant curricula, the San Manuel Learning Resource Center will create a learning environment that will help cultivate the future leaders of San Manuel. 

Mission

Established by the Department of Education in 2006, the San Manuel Learning Resource Center is devoted to providing the Summer Academy, GED, tutoring, athletic programming, academic skills building workshops, career preparatory activities, and cultural programming to all members of the San Manuel Tribe. 

Tutoring Program

The Tutoring Program provides tribal students with after school homework assistance, academic skills building, and community service opportunities.

Summer Academy

Students, who participate in the Summer Academy, will take part in weekly themed activities focusing on contemporary Native American issues.  Through guest speakers, experiential activities, field trips, and cultural programs, students explore different themes and topics pertinent to Indigenous groups and tribal nations.  Additionally, students will survey themes involving history, economic development, politics, sovereignty, cultural resource management and different cultural practices.  Serrano culture and language is emphasized throughout the duration of the Academy.