UNI Mission Statement: 

By empowering our binational region's distinctive potential, we envision a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and higher education opportunities and collaboration. Our mission is to be a catalyst for diversified excellence in career-readiness and a driver of economic vitality and mobility, all while honoring our uniqueness and nurturing a thriving binational region.

About UNI: 

UNI, established through a partnership with Southwestern College, the City of Chula Vista, and the support from the California State Legislature seeks to build a thriving ecosystem of higher education in Chula Vista by identifying priority academic programming opportunities.  This collaborative effort addresses the emerging workforce development needs in this vibrant area of San Diego County.  Leveraging existing programs at Southwestern College and partnerships with four-year universities, UNI identifies opportunities through extensive research and data gathering to craft a roadmap to meet the pressing needs of the current and future workforce.

Chula Vista, as the second-largest city in San Diego County, is currently the only city in California with a population over 200,000 residents without a public university within its city limits. In addressing this gap, UNI builds on the City of Chula Vista’s longstanding vision, set in motion the adoption of its 1993 Otay Ranch General Development Plan, which included the University vision to be located in the eastern area of the city.  

Workforce/Academic Program Needs Assessment Research Report

As part of the UNI Now effort, the San Diego Regional Policy Innovation Center (SDRPIC) has completed a Workforce/Academic Program Needs Assessment Report in partnership with the City of Chula Vista and Southwestern College. The report entitled Planning a Higher Education Ecosystem in South County: A Workforce & Education Needs Assessment can be viewed here. 

The report presents findings to help fill local gaps in higher education, identify ways South County can differentiate itself from other regional higher education offerings, and tailor programs to residents’ needs.

Information: 

Click here to view the May 2023 City Council staff report approving the UNI Initiative. 

Click here to view the completed report: Planning a Higher Education Ecosystem in South County: A Workforce & Education Needs Assessment

Click here to view the University Now Initiative: White Paper