Leaders from both institutions gathered Aug. 20 at IVC to renew the memorandum of
understanding, known as the ValleyCats Initiative. The partnership helps IVC students
prepare to transfer to the University of Arizona Yuma while connecting them with academic
support, scholarships, internships and hands-on learning opportunities.
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| University of Arizona Yuma and IVC leaders join students, faculty and staff to celebrate
the renewal of the institutions’ partnership. PHOTO COURTESY OF IMPERIAL VALLEY COLLEGE |
"The renewal of our partnership with the University of Arizona, Yuma is a transformative
step forward for our students and the entire Imperial Valley region," said Dr. Jules
Johnson, IVC Vice President of Academic Services. "By strengthening this transfer
pathway, we are challenging geographic and financial barriers, allowing our graduates
to pursue advanced degrees while remaining connected to their home community."
Johnson continued, "Through this MOU, students are not only gaining access to crucial
scholarships and hands-on professional development experiences, they are also being
directly prepared to step into vital local industries. By equipping the next generation
of leaders in Agriculture and STEAM, we are directly investing in the economic health,
sustainability, and workforce resilience of the Imperial Valley."
Students transferring through the partnership can pursue University of Arizona programs
in areas including agricultural systems management, sustainable plant systems, human
development, nutrition and engineering. University of Arizona Yuma staff also maintain
a presence at IVC to provide guidance and help students navigate the transition.
“The partnership between Imperial Valley College and the University of Arizona Yuma
is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when institutions work together
with students at the center. From pre-advising and transfer support to career exploration,
scholarships, and workforce development, we are creating seamless pathways for our
ValleyCats to earn a bachelor's degree close to home. Together, we are removing barriers,
expanding opportunities, and growing our own workforce to meet the needs of our region.
This is a unique partnership that continues to transform lives, and we look forward
to its continued growth," said Dr. Baleshka Brenes, Director of Agriculture Programs
for University of Arizona Yuma.
For IVC students, the partnership also connects classroom learning with career preparation.
Richard Luna, IVC student success specialist for Economic and Workforce Development,
said the combination of academic guidance and experiential learning helps students
build confidence as they prepare to transfer.
“The pathway has successfully prepared IVC students by providing motivation, academic
guidance, and support that have strengthened their confidence and helped them achieve
their academic goals. Through our collaboration, students have been empowered and
transformed into professionals who are prepared to succeed in their respective fields
of study. In addition, students who transfer through this pathway have had opportunities
to participate in internship programs that provide valuable hands-on experience, prepare
them for the workforce, and align their academic preparation with their career goals,”
Luna said.
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| From left, University of Arizona Vice Provost Dr. Caleb Simmons and IVC Interim Superintendent/President
Dr. James M. Limbaugh sign the MOU as IVC vice presidents look on. PHOTO COURTESY
OF IMPERIAL VALLEY COLLEGE |
Through the USDA NexGen Learning to Lead program, IVC students have also participated
in agricultural industry internships and local field research, including projects
examining the effects of varying irrigation and nitrogen levels on Imperial Valley
crops.
The broader multi-institution effort involving IVC, the University of Arizona, Hartnell
Community College and California State University, Monterey Bay, provides scholarship
opportunities of up to $30,000 per student to help students complete a degree. University
representatives also highlighted in-state tuition for IVC students transferring to
the University of Arizona Yuma.
“The partnership of University of Arizona with IVC in the Ag program has benefited
IVC students with scholarships, leadership development, and internships that will
help shape and nurture the future of Ag professionals, not only in the Imperial Valley
but the entire country,” explained Efrain Silva, Dean of Instruction for Economic
and Workforce at IVC.
The renewed agreement reflects both institutions’ continued focus on developing local
talent and connecting higher education with regional workforce needs. Leaders also
discussed opportunities for future growth in areas including teacher education, career
technical education and agricultural education.
The event concluded with the signing of the renewed MOU, continuing a collaboration
focused on helping students pursue higher education and career opportunities while
remaining connected to the region.
From left, University of Arizona Vice Provost Dr. Caleb Simmons shakes hands with
IVC Interim Superintendent/President Dr. James M. Limbaugh following the official
MOU signing. PHOTO COURTESY OF IMPERIAL VALLEY COLLEGE