The PVCC Center for International Studies focuses extensively on the development of relationships with service area businesses which either conduct or desire to conduct business in Latin America and/or Asia.

A Title VI-B grant operationalized in 1995-1997 enabled the Center to develop foundational resources to support the college's international business programming and its outreach efforts to area corporations.

The receipt of a second Title VI-B grant, designed to become operational in summer, 2000, will allow the Center to expand its activities in the area of international business. Working with seven area institutions, including the North Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Sumitomo Sitix, Wells Fargo Bank, Westcor, Marvel Building and Masonry Supply, Salcito Custom Homes, and the American School of International Management, the center will provide instruction about exporting and e-commerce to local business professionals, provide international business courses via the Internet, and assist local businesses to gain competitive advantages in the world market.

Over the two year period of the grant, the college will offer a minimum of four seminars and four workshops on exporting and e-commerce; redesign three foundation courses (Introduction to Business, Introduction to International Business, and Exporting) for internet delivery; continue the development and expansion of a co-operative, internet based international business curriculum under development between faculty at Paradise Valley Community College and CEYTS University in Mexico which is offered in both English and Spanish and which emphasizes comparative analyses of Mexican and United States' business practices; expand international business consultation services for small to medium sized businesses in the north Phoenix area; develop a comprehensive website with links to topics of interest to local business interested in international trade; and, create and publish a bi-monthly international trade newsletter for distribution to North Phoenix small and medium sized businesses.

The extensive research conducted through surveys, needs assessments, and environmental scans clearly supported the need to better prepare both business students and local small and medium-sized businesses for success in the digital economy. The linkages with key business and educational partners in the North Valley, as well as the variety of opportunities for learning and consultation offered by the college to smaller businesses located in the area, will further expand and strengthen the college's connection to its community.

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