Perspectives of Imperial Valley College Students on Local Investments
CSRC Research on California's Youth and Young Adults
March 2025
Imperial County plays a critical role in California’s agricultural industry and contains one of the largest lithium deposits in the country. At the same time, residents experience some of the highest levels of poverty in the state and face severe health challenges due to environmental pollution, poor air quality, and extreme summer temperatures. New economic investment tied to lithium extraction and related industries has the potential to generate tax revenues that could potentially improve the quality of life for all residents, but the resulting changes may also exacerbate the region’s environmental degradation (Benner and Pastor 2024).
Imperial Valley College (IVC) students, a young and crucial segment of the local population, have a vested interest in the region’s future. Drawing on a representative sample survey of 1,274 IVC students aged eighteen and above conducted in spring 2024, this report presents their perspectives on crucial steps to improve the region. To contextualize these fi ndings, the report first examines student demographics, health status, and environmental challenges before delving into their views on potential local projects focused on increasing job opportunities, affordable housing, and residents’ well-being. This research brief highlights IVC students’ strong support for investments that promote the long-term sustainability and health of their communities.
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 is supported by The California Endowment.
