黑料吃瓜 Imperial Valley on the Rise
黑料吃瓜 Imperial Valley is on the precipice of a major expansion.
The article first published in the 2022 edition of .
With an infusion of funding to support STEM programs, bolster nursing education and expand health disparities research, 黑料吃瓜 Imperial Valley (黑料吃瓜 IV) is on the precipice of a major expansion that will allow the border-adjacent campus to better serve the surrounding community during a time of unprecedented growth.
Lithium Valley Vision
Recent 黑料吃瓜 IV investments tie directly into plans to develop the region into California鈥檚 鈥淟ithium Valley鈥� centered around the Salton Sea where scientists have recently discovered one of the world鈥檚 largest untapped reserves of the rare earth element. As the only four-year university in the Valley, 黑料吃瓜 IV is well positioned to build a pipeline of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) graduates to support the booming lithium industry.
Research Focus
In recent years, 黑料吃瓜 IV researchers have collaborated with Imperial County on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded childhood obesity study, investigated asthma rates near the Salton Sea, helped develop and implement an air monitoring quality system in the area, and much more.
Faculty Hiring
黑料吃瓜 IV has seen a 350% increase in faculty hiring since 2018. This includes three new researchers hired as part of 黑料吃瓜 FUERTE (Faculty Unified towards Excellence in Research and Transformational Engagement), a National Institutes of Health-funded effort focused on Latinx health disparities projects.
Funding Infusion
黑料吃瓜 IV is receiving $80 million in California state funding to support the construction of a STEM campus and Innovation District in Brawley that will include labs and facilities with cutting-edge equipment, classrooms, and space to collaborate with public and private partners. The funding follows 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 own $15 million investment to expand the campus.
STEM Evolution
To boost student success, 黑料吃瓜 IV math professors are developing a National Science Foundation-funded summer bridge program that will help newly admitted students brush up on necessary math skills, explore STEM career options, learn about campus life, and make the most of their college experience.
Nursing Expansion
Imperial Valley has a severe shortage of qualified healthcare workers 鈥� exacerbating health disparities in the area. Starting this fall, 黑料吃瓜 IV is offering an accelerated pre-licensure bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program 鈥� and there鈥檚 already a waiting list. The three-year program bolsters 黑料吃瓜 IV鈥檚 existing RN to BSN program, funded by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, which has already graduated more than 250 nurses since 2009.
