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-Editorial
CETYS University reaffirmed its commitment to academic internationalization by participating in the “California-Mexico College and University Opportunities Forum,” held at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). The binational event, convened by California State Assemblymember David Álvarez of District 80, brought together government officials, researchers, student leaders, and representatives from higher education institutions on both sides of the border to discuss key strategies for enhancing educational collaboration between California and Mexico.
Dr. Fernando León García, Rector of CETYS University, led a panel titled “Envisioning New Partnerships with Dual Degree Programs,” where he shared CETYS’s experience implementing dual degree programs as a strategic tool to promote academic mobility, international recognition, and joint development of binational talent.
“In a global context, dual degree programs allow our students to access a multicultural, competitive, and socially engaged education. It is essential to continue building bridges between our institutions to face the challenges of the future,” said Dr. León García during his participation.
This forum highlights the growing trend of cross-border educational agreements. Universities like the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) and Imperial Valley College (IVC), as well as IVC’s partnership with CETYS University, are strengthening academic ties by signing agreements that facilitate student exchanges, credit transfers, and collaborative programs. These initiatives aim to expand access to quality education and promote binational development through shared knowledge and resources.
Assemblyman Alvarez was the key proponent behind AB-91, a bill that creates a five-year pilot program allowing low-income students residing in Mexico within the California-Mexico border region to qualify for in-state tuition rates at community colleges that are members of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Community College Association (SDICCCA). Before this legislation, non-resident students were required to pay significantly higher out-of-state tuition, which limited educational access for many border residents. AB-91 aims to reduce financial barriers by permitting eligible students—who must live within 45 miles of the border, be low-income, and enroll in SDICCCA colleges—to pay resident tuition, promoting cross-border educational opportunities similar to programs in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Alvarez’s initiative responds to the growing economic and workforce demands in Southern California, particularly in San Diego and Imperial counties, where there is a pressing need to increase the number of skilled workers with post-secondary education. The bill received broad support from all 10 SDICCCA colleges, regional business and government leaders, and community organizations, reflecting a regional commitment to strengthen the economy by expanding educational access for border residents. AB-91 also includes safeguards such as a cap of 150 full-time equivalent students per college and a sunset date in 2028, ensuring the program’s scope remains manageable while assessing its long-term impact.