SE Valley Times

Rio Salado College President Kate Smith participated in the 65th Annual Plenary Meeting organized by the Arizona-Mexico Commission (AMC) and Comisión Sonora Estados Unidos (CSEU) on October 24-25 in Hermosillo, Sonora. The meeting aimed to identify projects addressing shared challenges and opportunities for the Arizona-Sonora region.

President Smith, who co-chairs the AMC Education Committee, highlighted the importance of partnerships formed by the Arizona Mexico Commission and Comisión Sonora Estados Unidos. "The partnerships created by the Arizona Mexico Commission and the Comisión Sonora Estados Unidos are instrumental in preparing students for a dynamic, binational workforce," she stated.

Smith, alongside Secretary of Education and Culture Lic. Froylán Gámez Gamboa from Sonora, discussed advancements made by the AMC education committee. They focused on promoting training and research among cross-border education communities and facilitating partnerships that enhance student experiences in both regions. A new partnership agreement with Maricopa Community Colleges was also announced.

The meeting included signing Memorandums of Understanding between Sonora and Maricopa Community Colleges District. These agreements cover teacher education exchange programs, study abroad programs, joint academic projects, community partnerships, apprenticeships, internships, and other initiatives.

“This new agreement deepens the cross-border exchange of knowledge, increases access to cross-cultural higher learning, and helps prepare a highly skilled workforce and a sustainable future,” said President Smith.

The event titled “Una Megaregión Verde e Interconectada / A Sustainable and Interconnected Megaregion” was led by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo. They addressed workforce development with an emphasis on sustainability, infrastructure, and growth.

Institutions involved in AMC's initiatives meet regularly to share updates. Rio Salado hosted an Education Summit from February 20-22 with about 60 representatives from universities in Sonora and Maricopa County Community Colleges. Discussions included semiconductor instruction opportunities, student learning exchanges, artificial intelligence applications, art and culture integration, and online English learning.

“These meetings are leading our work and actualizing our action plans— as was the case with the new agreement with the Maricopa Community Colleges,” said Smith. “Our ultimate goal is to build upon the Arizona Mexico Commission’s successes over the past 65 years.”

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