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-Editorial
A new chapter in education and economic development began in Brawley on August 4, as San Diego State University Imperial Valley held a historic ribbon-cutting ceremony for its long-anticipated STEM Innovation Hub. The new 65,000-square-foot building marks a major expansion of STEM education in the region. It aligns with the broader effort to transform Imperial County into a hub for clean energy innovation through the Lithium Valley initiative.
Located at SDSU Imperial Valley’s Brawley campus on Highway 78, the facility will provide students with pathways into careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while directly supporting the region’s economic diversification. Previously focused on nursing programs, the Brawley site now adds new disciplines — starting with degrees in electrical engineering and chemistry — and will expand based on workforce needs.
The second floor features two large core research facilities, developed in collaboration with Imperial Valley’s “Big 3” lithium extraction companies, equipped for on-site lithium testing to eliminate reliance on external labs, with instrumentation designed to complement industry tools for integrated innovation.
“This is very important for Imperial Valley,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz, who spoke at the ceremony. “We know there’s a lot of poverty and unemployment here, and this building represents economic opportunity and good-paying jobs. It will train students in science, engineering, math, and technology — vital for developing the lithium valley right here in Imperial County.”
The facility’s construction was made possible by an $80 million allocation in the 2022–23 California state budget, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The funding came after strong advocacy efforts to align higher education investments with regional workforce needs, particularly in the clean energy sector.
“We have a significant amount of lithium here, which is essential for the batteries that will power our clean energy future,” Ruiz added. “We’re on the verge of producing millions of pounds of lithium. This will not only support battery manufacturing but create industry jobs right here at home.”
Dr. Guillermina Nuñez, Dean of SDSU Imperial Valley, underscored the university’s role in preparing the next generation of professionals.
“This is a great day for SDSU and our students,” Dr. Nuñez said. “We’re starting with degrees in electrical engineering and chemistry, but we’ll be guided by workforce development reports to determine future programs — possibly physics, computer science, or biology. These decisions will be made in collaboration with our academic and industry partners.”
She emphasized the significance of investing in a historically underserved region.
“It takes great vision to step out of your comfort zone and believe in a region that has been heavily overlooked,” she said. “We are thankful to our leadership — President Adela de la Torre and Provost Willoughby, a pioneer in chemistry and lithium research — for investing in the Imperial Valley. So many of our students want to stay home. Now, they can study and thrive right here.”
Former Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, who played a key role in securing state funding, praised the project’s long-term potential.
“As this university continues to grow its footprint here, it’s making life better for every resident,” Garcia said. “This region, rooted in a bicultural, binational identity, is on the verge of becoming a model — not just for the nation, but for the entire state of California. This university is investing, engaging, and challenging us all to do better.”
Dr. Nunez highlighted partnerships with Imperial Valley College, local school districts, and private sector stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of equipping local students to meet the demands of a changing economy.