In a groundbreaking partnership aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in the cross-border region, the Southwestern Community College District (SWC) and Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior (CETYS) University System have officially joined forces. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in addressing the diverse educational needs of the community on both sides of the border. As a part of this collaboration, SWC students can attend CETYS at the same rate as Mexican citizens.

“We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with CETYS University System,” Dr. Joel Pilco, SWC’s Director of Bi-national & International Programs explained. “By pooling our resources and expertise, we aim to create innovative programs that will empower students and contribute to the growth of our cross-border community.”

Presently, Mexico lacks an equivalent to community colleges, emphasizing the significance of establishing this partnership. SWC brings to the table its experience in fostering inclusive learning environments and a deep understanding of the local educational landscape. This collaboration aims to bridge gaps, ensuring that students, like Christopher Garcia, have access to a comprehensive and globally relevant education.

“As a member of the cross-border community, I recognize that this partnership opens up new educational avenues and demonstrates their commitment to the development of our region,” Garcia expressed, “The impact of this alliance will contribute to building a brighter future for students and the entire community.”

CETYS University System, known for its global perspective and innovative approach to education, brings a wealth of experience in preparing students for a rapidly changing world. This collaboration promises to enrich the educational landscape by integrating diverse perspectives and fostering a global mindset.

Director of the CETYS Tijuana Campus, Yanina Rubio states, “CETYS University System is proud to partner with SWC in this visionary initiative. Our shared commitment to providing quality education aligns seamlessly, and together, we aspire to break down barriers and foster a learning environment that transcends geographical boundaries. This collaboration represents a powerful fusion of knowledge, culture, and shared aspirations.”

Local community stakeholders play a crucial role in shaping the success of this collaboration. Their endorsement emphasizes the community-centric approach that SWC and CETYS are adopting, ensuring that the programs developed are not only academically enriching but also aligned with the unique needs of the local population.

This reciprocity aligns with our commitment to the region’s prosperity. Furthermore, we want to remind everyone of our AB91 offer, emphasizing our dedication to fostering collaboration for the greater good of the cross-border community.

As we move forward, it is important to recognize the integral role collaborations like these play in the success of our region. The San Diego Economic Development Corporation (SDEDC) reports indicate that the region’s prosperity is significantly dependent on such partnerships. According to the SDEDC, 66.7% of our 1.5 million regional jobs in our employment breakdown comes from our local population, highlighting the need for cooperative endeavors like the SWC and CETYS collaboration.

In the spirit of showcasing the real impact on students, we’re actively seeking testimonials from students who may have plans to take classes at SWC and CETYS. This firsthand perspective will shed light on the tangible benefits of this collaboration, demonstrating how it opens up exciting opportunities for educational growth and cross-cultural experiences. Students interested in this opportunity can email us at SWCace@swccd.edu.

This collaboration between SWC and CETYS stands as a testament to the belief that education has the power to unite communities and drive positive change. Stay tuned as we work hand-in-hand to shape the future of education in the cross-border region.