Public postsecondary education: California-Mexico Higher Education Development and Academic Exchange Program.

Assembly Member Solache's proposal to establish a California-Mexico Higher Education Development and Academic Exchange Program aims to facilitate student exchanges between California's public universities and Mexican institutions starting in the 2026-27 academic year. The program would enable up to 400 California students to study in Mexico while bringing an equal number of Mexican students to California campuses.

The legislation requires California State University to implement exchange programs at a minimum of 10 campuses by January 2027, expanding to all CSU locations by January 2029. Community college districts must establish programs at one campus per district by 2029. Each participating student would receive up to $15,000 for travel and living expenses. The bill creates a $60 million fund, with California contributing $40 million and Mexico providing $20 million, though Mexican participation is not mandatory for implementation. Universities may also accept private contributions to support the exchanges.

The program includes provisions for curriculum coordination between participating institutions and allows for tuition reciprocity agreements. The legislation cites the economic significance of the California-Mexico region, which represents the world's 5th and 12th largest economies respectively, as context for expanding academic partnerships. The program would sunset on January 1, 2032, unless extended by future legislation, and requires specific appropriation of funds to become operational.