News release
Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, has introduced legislation to authorize the first step in bringing a new California State University campus to the Victor Valley.
“The High Desert is one of the last affordable frontiers left in California. But as its population grows, students and families still have to make the costly commute down the hill to get to the nearest CSU campus,” Wilk said in a news release. “Having a campus in the Victor Valley would create easier and more affordable access to education, create jobs, and alleviate overcrowding at other campuses. Simply looking at what’s possible is long overdue.”
Senate Bill 1023 would authorize the CSU chancellor to conduct and submit to the board of trustees a study about the feasibility of an independent CSU campus in the High Desert.
Wilk represents the state’s 21st Senate District, which includes the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys but also contains vast stretches of territory including Victorville and the Victor Valley.
Aside from financial and personal obligations, distance from state universities is a large factor keeping students in rural regions from pursuing a bachelor’s degree, Wilk’s release said. The closest CSU campus to the Victor Valley is currently CSU San Bernardino. Depending on the time of day, the drive on Interstate 15 can take at least an hour each way.
“Just because we’re in the desert doesn’t mean we need to be an educational desert. The Victor Valley is full of opportunity and potential, with more families and business flocking to the region each year,” Wilk added. “A CSU campus would not just benefit them, it would also make it easier for students in surrounding communities to pursue higher education. This bill is just the beginning.”
