Located roughly twelve miles north of the US-Mexico border, Imperial Valley College (IVC) is the only community college in the Latinx-majority Imperial County. The school, which had an unduplicated enrollment of 6,099 full-time students in the 2022-2023 school year (National Center for Education Statistics 2023a), serves as a vital engine of economic mobility for its predominantly low-income and working-class population. With the development of local lithium-related industries on the horizon, IVC is well positioned to prepare students to seize the training and employment opportunities that will follow. Moreover, IVC can also provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to guide the future of their communities.

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of IVC’s student population, exploring students’ demographic background, household characteristics, high school experiences, and college and career aspirations. Sponsored by the Latina Futures 2050 Lab, the report also highlights gender differences where relevant. The findings reveal the economic challenges and household responsibilities many students—particularly young women—navigate while pursuing their education.

This report was made possible with the support of Imperial Valley College’s Workforce Development Division and the Imperial Valley Equity and Justice Coalition.

This research was generously supported by the Latina Futures 2050 Lab and The California Endowment.