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Imperial Valley College and Mexico’s Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior (CETYS) University have signed a historic memorandum of understanding to partner on a binational study program that will broaden access to courses and resources for students from both institutions.
The Imperial Community College District Board of Trustees officially approved the MOU between the district and CETYS University System during their board meeting, on March 20. The MOU, effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026, begins a partnership between the two institutions to develop productive academic and educational cooperative relationships to serve the needs of a cross-border region through mutually beneficial programs.
The binational collaboration will offer IVC students’ new access to degrees in engineering and corporate law, along with other programs, available through CETYS University with classes available in both Spanish and English to meet student needs.
“This MOU highlights our continuous effort to enhance the educational landscape for our students,” said Dr. Lennor M. Johnson, the Superintendent/President for Imperial
Community College District. “It is a testament to our belief in the boundless potential of our students and the importance of providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed. Together, we are building a future where education knows no bounds and our students are equipped to chase their dreams, no matter how big.”
Under the MOU, IVC agrees to allow students from CETYS who meet IVC’s international student application requirements to attend IVC, paying regular per-unit tuition and related fees generally paid by residents of the Imperial Community College District. IVC will also issue a Form 1-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status)
to participating students from CETYS.
CETYS agrees to accept eligible students from IVC who meet CETYS’ international student application requirements, and the institution will issue the necessary documents for visa applications if needed.
CETYS will also allow IVC students to receive a 100-percent tuition waiver if accepted into the International Summer Program at CETYS’ Ensenada campus. CETYS further agrees to accept up to five students in its entrepreneurship program with 90 percent of the tuition covered.
“I am excited for the ongoing collaboration with universities located in the region. This MOU highlights the binational partnership and IVC’s commitment to increasing pathway opportunities for students,” said Alexis Villa, IVC’s Vice President of Student Services & Equity, Student Services. “CETYS Universidad offers pathways in engineering and corporate law that will make it possible for IVC students interested in those pathways to transfer and stay in the region.”
One critical goal of the binational partnership is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in international education. To that end, the two institutions have agreed to allow students to study abroad for short periods or the duration of training at the host institution; Increase the number of students participating in study abroad programs by giving opportunities to those with low financial resources; Create opportunities for cross-collaboration between faculty, staff, and administrators at both institutions to advance diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion through cross-cultural events, workshops, and guest lectures.
The MOU represents a first step between the two institutions to expand binational educational opportunities. The two institutions will continue to explore pathways to increase access to educational opportunities and resources affordably.
The agreement is part of an ongoing effort by IVC to expand access to educational opportunities for its students. It also represents a critical step in taking action under Assembly Bill 91, introduced by Assemblyman David Alvarez of San Diego, to increase access to higher education for low-income students living within 45 miles of the California-Mexico border.
