President Joe Biden’s nominee for education secretary is a bold one, and a smart one.
I applaud his selection of Miguel Cardona to lead efforts to open up greater opportunities for our nation’s students – from all backgrounds and walks of life – and drive 21st century innovation in the pursuit of educational excellence.
Dr. Cardona began his career in education as an elementary school teacher, and rose to prominence as Connecticut’s Education Commissioner. He has accomplished much throughout his career, in all of the various education and leadership roles he’s served in, and as he says “it’s too late to change [his] stripes now.”
He got into the field because he wanted to help children realize their full potential, by making a positive impact in their lives. He calls it “fuel for the soul.”
His approach is comprehensive, student-centered, and reform-minded.
It’s clear that Dr. Cardona is passionate about education, particularly in regard to serving diverse and underprivileged communities. And as a child who began his own time in public school speaking only Spanish, he understands firsthand where these children are coming from and the passion so many minority and non-English speakers have to learn and better their lives.
I am confident beyond any doubt that Dr. Cardona will bring this same passion to the important work of the secretary of education’s office. I am fully committed to helping him learn more about unique universities such as Northwestern Polytechnic University (NPU) – and how the Department of Education can serve as a resource for underprivileged students.
Our Silicon Valley-based school, which offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in computer science, engineering, technology, and management, is proud to serve students from all backgrounds. Many are from countries such as India, Taiwan, and China, and speak English as a second language.
Just for matriculation beginning in the spring 2021 trimester alone, NPU received applications from not only the United States but also such countries as Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Ecuador, South Korea, and Mongolia.
Education is Dr. Cardona’s passion, and we are devoted to sharing our own unique experiences and perspectives with him. As an educator, we know he understands the importance of helping all those seeking to learn, contribute, and build better lives – rich or poor – to obtain the education they deserve.
NPU has educated students from virtually every background imaginable, and transformed its graduates into highly successfully professionals in Silicon Valley and beyond. What has made NPU special throughout its 37-year history has been its acute focus on the individual needs of its students, and its ability to cater its educational programs to those needs while also adapting quickly to the rapidly changing world of technology and business. NPU seeks both staff and instructors who are tirelessly student-centered, patient, and progressive.
Any time Dr. Cardona or his future administration seeks a greater understanding of issues surrounding our higher education system, ways to proactively address education issues within the modern world, or efforts by graduates to secure jobs within the tech industry, Northwestern Polytechnic University will be here to offer all the insight and guidance we can.
I wish Miguel Cardona all the best during the Senate confirmation process and look forward to working with him soon.