In an era where industrial transformation and digitalization are rapidly reshaping the labor market across Latin America, technical and vocational education is emerging as a critical tool for regional development and workforce competitiveness. In this context, the Corporación de Desarrollo del Norte (CORDENOR), through its Instituto de Capacitación de Arica (ICARI), has formalized a collaboration agreement with Blackwell Global University (BGU), a U.S.-accredited university with global academic reach and a strong online presence.
The strategic alliance aims to create new academic pathways for technical graduates in northern Chile—particularly in the regions of Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, and Atacama—by offering fully online bachelor's programs with international recognition. This initiative seeks to enhance employability, professional growth, and educational equity across historically underserved territories.
CORDENOR-ICARI has been a key player in human capital development for over two decades, offering training programs aligned with the needs of key economic sectors such as mining, logistics, transportation, and agribusiness. Thousands of individuals trained by ICARI are now contributing to the productive backbone of the country. With this new partnership, technical graduates will be able to validate part or all of their previous studies and continue their academic journey toward a U.S.-recognized bachelor’s degree.
Professor Daniel Meza, Academic Director of ICARI, highlighted the significance of the agreement: “Many of our graduates have the potential and the desire to keep growing professionally, but they face barriers such as time, distance, or the high costs of traditional university programs. With Blackwell Global University, we are offering a high-quality, fully online solution that allows them to earn a professional degree without leaving their region or interrupting their employment.”
Blackwell Global University is a U.S.-accredited institution headquartered in Florida, known for its commitment to innovation in distance learning and its focus on career-relevant education. Its undergraduate and graduate programs span fields like Business Administration, Project Management, Information Technology, International Business, and Industrial Safety. BGU's academic model emphasizes digital skills, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership—key competencies for navigating today’s complex and globalized job market.
According to the university’s International Outreach Office, this agreement with CORDENOR reflects BGU’s mission to democratize access to higher education: “We are proud to partner with institutions like CORDENOR, which understand the needs of their communities and are deeply committed to regional development. This collaboration is not just about academic mobility—it’s about generating impact and transforming lives through knowledge.”
The agreement includes several components:
- Academic credit recognition for ICARI technical graduates, enabling direct entry into BGU bachelor's degree programs.
- Dual certification opportunities, combining local diplomas with U.S. university credentials.
- Partial scholarships for high-performing students.
- Personalized, bilingual academic advising to guide students through enrollment, program selection, and success in their studies.
In addition to academic articulation, the agreement paves the way for joint initiatives such as professional development workshops, virtual seminars, applied research projects, and continuing education offerings focused on labor reconversion, climate resilience, and regional innovation.
According to recent data from Chile’s Ministry of Education and national labor observatories, over 60% of employers in northern regions report difficulties in finding workers with up-to-date technical and digital skills. By bridging local technical education with international university programs, this alliance addresses those gaps and supports a sustainable, skills-based model for territorial development.
Blackwell Global University, with students in more than 30 countries, is committed to expanding access to U.S. higher education in Latin America through culturally relevant and community-oriented partnerships. As part of its mission, BGU seeks to empower learners in emerging regions to become global professionals without leaving their hometowns.
This innovative approach to internationalization not only enhances students’ professional mobility but also contributes to strengthening local economies. By equipping local talent with advanced qualifications and global perspectives, the initiative supports inclusive growth, labor market adaptation, and the modernization of Chile’s technical education system.
Applications for the articulated programs will open during the second semester of 2025. All relevant information will be published on the official websites of CORDENOR-ICARI and Blackwell Global University. The first cohort is expected to begin classes before the end of the year, marking a new chapter in Chile’s international academic cooperation.
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