San Diego/Imperial

Recently, the COE joined researchers from across the country who care deeply about connecting education, workforce and economic development at the C2ER + LMI Institute 65th Annual Conference in Sacramento.

To help regional leaders better understand how industry sectors have evolved over time in California’s Southern Border Region, the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence (COE) created a new interactive mapping tool that allows users to explore sector trends by ZIP Code.

Recognizing the service of military members and the importance of supporting their transition from the armed forces into civilian life—a highly skilled talent pool with valuable experience—the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence (COE) analyzed regional data on their military occupations and used a mapping tool to identify civilian equivalents based on skills, duties, and qualifications.

In celebration of Diversity Month, the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence and Regional Consortium proudly announce the winners of the inaugural Inclusive Workplace Champion Awards—recognizing employers who create work environments where employees of all backgrounds are empowered to thrive.

Identifying high-demand, high-wage careers is vital to driving economic stability and mobility in Imperial County. In its latest study, Priority Jobs and Programs in Imperial County, the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence (SDI COE) analyzed labor market and postsecondary data to identify priority jobs and programs, uncover equity gaps based on age, gender, and race/ethnicity, and assess where progress has been made to address equity gaps. These insights can inform enrollment and hiring efforts to build a more diverse and representative workforce in Imperial County.

Last year, the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence (COE) found that the state needed to pick up the pace to meet its goal of registering 500,000 apprentices by 2029. In response, our 2024 report provided four recommendations on how to expand apprenticeship programs in San Diego & Imperial Counties.

The COE is excited to welcome two new team members who will strengthen and expand our research and professional development services at the San Diego & Imperial Counties Community Colleges.

As we welcome 2025, we are excited to reflect on and share the incredible work the COE accomplished in 2024! Our reports examined equity gaps in priority jobs and programs, labor market opportunities for adult education, employer needs in senior care, student support services’ impact on academic success, and apprenticeships across our region. In case you missed it, check out the reports and news stories that we shared throughout the year.

The San Diego & Imperial Community Colleges Center of Excellence (COE) released our latest report, Priority Jobs and Programs: Addressing Equity Gaps for a Diverse Workforce.