K-16 Collaborative
Border Region Talent Pipeline
In 2023, IVEDC joined the K16 Collaborative partnering with economic developers, educators, and industry leaders to strengthen innovative business and career pathways across San Diego and Imperial Counties. Through the Border Region Talent Pipeline, the initiative will create equitable, streamlined pathways from high school to postsecondary education and into the workforce. IVEDC is leading postsecondary engagement efforts in Imperial Valley, connecting local industry with colleges to expand opportunities. Our mission is to increase access to high-wage, high-demand careers for diverse and underrepresented talent, fostering greater economic mobility in the region.
2025 Summer Internships
This summer, IVEDC helped 20 businesses and organizations in Imperial County navigate the K16 Region Talent Pipeline Verified program to host interns. These internships are a vital link between education and the local workforce, offering students hands-on experience while giving companies access to emerging talent. By aligning academic learning with industry needs, they provide students with valuable career insights, enhance their skills, and help them build connections in their communities.
It’s not just students who benefit. Local industry leaders play a key role in shaping local workforce. Hosting interns gives businesses the opportunity to connect with the next generation of professionals, bring in fresh perspectives, and nurture potential long-term employees. By supporting workforce development, companies help strengthen the region’s economy and ensure a steady flow of skilled talent.
As the region evolves, it’s crucial for local industry leaders to step in and offer opportunities to students. These internships are a win-win for both businesses and students, addressing workforce gaps and positioning Imperial County as a hub for innovation and talent development for years to come. By embracing these opportunities, businesses contribute to economic growth while helping prepare the next generation for success.
Meet The Interns
Employer Working Groups
An Employer Working Group addresses shared workforce needs among employers which aims to communicate the collective demand and strengthen the local pipeline of talent in Imperial County. The Employer Working Group will identify barriers and challenges in securing talent in the sectors of business, computing, and engineering, with additional sectors being included in future editions. Representatives from academia will be involved to learn about how they can develop curriculums commensurate to industry needs identified throughout the process. Industry representatives will stay engaged with academia to ensure that curricula stay relevant to their on-going needs.
Talent Demand Report
The Talent Demand Report is a culmination of data collected in our Employer Working Groups within the sectors of Business, Computing, and Engineering. This report does not aim to reflect the needs of all employers in Imperial County but to outline important skill requirements for talent. By sharing this information, we hope to identify a list of skills that employers agree are crucial for talent to be successful in their roles.
This year's Employer Working group, representing multiple industries, participated in a survey to share their local demand for talent. Their combined insights highlight the specific skill and qualifications needed to meet their workforce demands in Imperial County.