(Reprinted with permission of the Imperial Valley Press) By MARIO RENTERIA, Managing Editor | The Imperial Valley College recently received $5.8 million from the Career Pathways Grant as it looks to continue to help students advance in their education. The grant, started in July 2014, funds a handful of education institutes that establish regional collaborative relationships and partnerships with business entities, community organizations and local institutions of postsecondary education, states the California Department of Education website. On Friday, IVC had a presentation with Sen. Ben Hueso, representatives of the IVC board of trustees and Imperial County Sheriff's Office on hand. The grant basically enables students throughout the Imperial Valley to take college credit course in high school, guaranteeing them admission to the California State University system. "We will offer the Allied Health and law enforcement academies to the middle school students and we will create a first-level modular academy, which is post level 1, with creating that level will fully enable us to offer the police academy locally, which is something our local law enforcement agencies will truly benefit from," said Martha Garcia, the economic and workforce development coordinator at IVC during Friday's presentation. "Obviously we continue to strengthen the relationship with our community and our employers," she said. "We truly are grateful." Hueso presented for the ceremonial check presentation. "This funding opens the door of opportunity and provides the keys to future success," said Hueso in a previous statement. "I am thrilled this funding will empower our youth by providing them with this amazing opportunity and in turn improve their quality of life."