Arizona State University/Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora
Country:
Mexico
Award Date:
2004
Award Amount:
$298,668.00
Cost Share:
$546,635.00
Other Partners:
San Diego State University; Universidad Autónoma de Baja California
Through collaborative education and research, this partnership is narrowing the socioeconomic gap between Arizona and Sonora by preparing Mexican students to work as professionals in the areas of sustainable energy sources, environmental planning, ecotourism, and micro enterprise. Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON) and Arizona State (ASU) developed the joint research goals for this partnership through meetings with Sonoran government officials and community leaders, and the institutions continued to strengthen this partnerhsip through joint participation in several conferences. The first cohort of three ITSON students began working toward their master of science in design at ASU, and one student enrolled in a course in the planning department that will provide him credits for the doctoral program when he begins his formal doctoral studies. Based on the TIES parternship, ASU hosted a workshop, “Building Partnerships for a Sustainable Border Region,” which brought together 50 leaders in government, industry, and academia to discuss the benefits of partnerships in the region. As a by-product of the TIES agreement, ITSON and ASU have recently signed a memorandum of understanding to address other academic and development initiatives of common interest, ensuring a relationship beyond the TIES program.