Bainbridge College (BC) and Corozal Junior College (CJC) in Corozal, Belize, Central America, have expanded the mutually supportive relationship they have developed over the last several years.

The two institutions formalized their mutual support by signing a five-year agreement.

BC Interim Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Tonya Strickland represented BC President Richard Carvajal at the April 5 signing in Belize. CJC Dean Jose Mai, who visited BC in 2010 and 2009, also signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Belizean television covered the event, said Tracy Harrington, coordinator for BC’s International Education Programs who attended the signing with Sotero Cruz, who is chair of the Board of CJC. Each of the four spoke briefly about the relationship and their hopes for the new commitment.

The agreement expands the two institution’s cooperative relationship, including the exchange of academic and professional staff and students, and their commitment to cooperation and development of cooperative programs. With the MOU, the two schools emphasize their recognition of the value of educational interchange and the benefits of collaboration.

The MOU expands Bainbridge College’s growing international endeavors, and will be organized through its coordinators of BC’s International Education Programs, while Dean Mai or his designee will coordinate the program for CJC.

The two institutions’ objective for entering a formal relationship is to improve their respective educational programs through a systematic exchange of academic and professional staff and students, Strickland said. Their objectives include collaboration in teaching, research and other scholarly activities.

Over the past several years, BC students have studied English, education and science in Belize through various study abroad programs and have worked with children and teachers in Belizean elementary schools. BC expects a delegation of students and faculty from CJC and a technical school to visit during Fall Semester 2011.