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Assemblywoman Luz Rivas Secures $10 Million for Los Angeles Mission College Regional STEM Institute

For immediate release:

SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Luz Rivas(D-San Fernando Valley) secured $10 million from the state budget and presented a check to Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) and Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) to create a regional biotechnology STEM Hub in the 39th Assembly District. The construction and operation of this new facility will increase access to STEM career pathways throughout the San Fernando Valley.

“STEM education has had an immense influence on my life - from the moment I fixed a computer in my elementary school class. It led me to a career in Electrical Engineering, and eventually founding DIY Girls. This biotechnology center will open many doors for future students the same way STEM classes did for me in grade school,” stated Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “Investments for educational and employment opportunities should always be a priority for our communities. Not only are we transforming the lives of LAMC students, but we are investing directly into the San Fernando Valley’s future.”

“The California Community College Chancellor’s Office has identified biotechnology as one of ten sectors where there is a great need for a pipeline of trained workers. Job growth for biotech occupations from 2014-2028 is expected to be 20.8% in California and 14.4% in Los Angeles County”, said LACCD Board President Gabriel Buelna, Ph.D. “This unprecedented state allocation secured by Assemblywoman Luz Rivas will help Los Angeles County meet the expected employee demand.”

“The Los Angeles Community College District is deeply appreciative of and recognizes Assemblywoman Luz Rivas’ leadership that secured the state allocation of $10 million for the establishment of the Los Angeles Mission College Biotechnology Institute,” said LACCD Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez, Ph.D. “The proposed Institute will increase the number and quality of skilled and location-based biotechnology workers to fill regional workforce demand while addressing the need for sustainable jobs and careers for residents of the San Fernando community.”

“This is a visionary and transformational investment to LA Mission College. Thank you to Assemblywoman Rivas for your advocacy and commitment to the communities we serve!” stated LAMCPresident Armida Ornelas.

LAMC is the only college located in the 39th Assembly District. With the addition of a biotechnology campus, the facility hopes to meet that demand of the workforce and prepare students upon receiving an associate degree.

Funding for the STEM career pathways campus was secured in July 2022. A plan for the campus will be developed soon.

Assemblywoman Luz Rivas proudly represents the 39th Assembly District, which includes the City of Los Angeles communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Sylmar, and the City of San Fernando.