The border between Mexico and the United States is a physical barrier, but it is not a barrier for talent, according to Fernando Leon Garcia, president of CETYS Universidad. The fence that divides the Mexican state of Baja California from California in the US is a stark reminder of the complexities of American-Mexican relations.
Despite the physical barrier, thousands of students from Tijuana cross the border daily to attend classes at universities in the US, including San Diego State University (SDSU), the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and Southwestern Community College (SCC). The crossing can take anywhere from 15 minutes to three or four hours, depending on the traffic and other factors.
Creating a Binational Ecosystem
The CaliBaja region, which includes San Diego and Tijuana, has a combined population of seven million people and generates $250 billion per year, making it one of the world’s 10 largest economies. To tap into this potential, eight universities in the region – four in Mexico and four in the US – came together to form the CaliBaja Higher Education Consortium (CHEC) last December.
According to SDSU’s press release, CHEC aims to institutionalize transborder academic collaboration and generate solutions to the region’s greatest challenges. The consortium’s creation is a significant step towards creating a binational ecosystem of higher education collaboration.
CaliBaja Economy Grows
UCSD’s Chancellor Pradeep Khosla believes that the consortium can become a primary driver of wealth generation for both Mexico and the US. He emphasizes the importance of reducing poverty and increasing equitable wealth generation and distribution in the region.
The universities in the CaliBaja region have taken advantage of their geographical distance from their national capitals to create something unique. As Rafael Fernández de Castro, director of UCSD’s Center for US-Mexican Studies, explains, “We’re creating CaliBaja, this regional zone of integration. We believe that universities should prepare the talent that we’re going to need in the future.”
One of the key challenges facing the consortium is addressing the regulatory issues stemming from national governments. Visa regulations, searches at the border, tuition rates, internship opportunities, and accreditation requirements are some of the mundane realities that need to be overcome.
Despite these challenges, the universities are pushing forward with their collaboration. They are working together to develop talent and create opportunities for students on both sides of the border. As Leon Garcia notes, “There is no border for talent.” The needs of multinational industries are the same on both sides of the border, and the universities are working to prepare industry-ready talent with the relevant skills and professional mindset.
For example, CETYS works closely with industries such as PACCAR Kenworth to prepare students with the skills required by the industry. This collaboration is essential in creating a binational workforce that can compete in the global market.
Streamlining Border Crossings
The consortium’s efforts are also focused on creating a seamless experience for students crossing the border. The Coordinated Access Program (CAP), a pilot project instituted by US Customs and Border Protection, establishes a dedicated lane for students crossing on foot from Tijuana to SWCC.
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Additionally, the SENTRI program, which requires fingerprinting, interviewing, and costs $225 per year, provides access to dedicated car lanes. These programs aim to reduce the waiting time and make it easier for students to cross the border.
As Carlos H Garcia Alvarado, vice-president of institutional relations at CETYS, explains, the reality of living in a binational space is not just about crossing the border for education, but also for daily activities such as going to the bank or picking up mail.
The universities are also working to address the issue of tuition rates. Mexican students attending community colleges in California can now be charged the same tuition as in-state students, thanks to a bill sponsored by California State Assembly Member David Alvarez Castro.
As Alvarez Castro notes, “We are one of the most competitive universities to get into. We receive close to 160,000 applications every year.” However, with the new tuition rates, Mexican students can now attend community colleges and transfer to UCSD or SDSU, making it more accessible for them to pursue higher education in the US.
Binational Workforce Development
The region is home to a large number of engineers, with Mexican universities graduating almost 200,000 engineers per year, compared to 141,000 in the US.
US-based firms such as Thermo Fisher are hiring engineers in Mexico, and digitalization means that some of them will remain in Tijuana and work for US companies. The integration of talent in the region is essential for its economic growth and development.
CETYS has also received accreditation from American accrediting agencies, allowing US federal student aid to be used at the university. However, recent restrictions on federal student aid have limited its use for programs with online components.
Despite these challenges, the universities in the CaliBaja region are committed to creating a binational ecosystem of higher education collaboration. As Fernández de Castro notes, “We’re not waiting for the capitals to help us.
The restriction on federal student aid has significant implications for American students who want to study at CETYS. This restriction will limit the opportunities for American students to study in Mexico and participate in the binational workforce.
CETYS is committed to finding alternative solutions, including providing funding or a proprietary loan system, to support American students who want to study at the university. The university’s commitment to developing programs and retaining American international students is equal to its commitment to developing talent in the region.
