Trine University will open a branch campus in the city of Peoria starting in 2013. As KJZZ’s Peter O’Dowd reports, the city is looking to expand its skilled workforce.

PETER O’DOWD: If this sounds familiar, it’s because Mesa officials have already announced five new universities coming to that East Valley city since the start of the year. Now the West Valley has something to talk about. Indiana-based Trine University will offer engineering degrees. Within five years, Peoria’s Scott Whyte says the campus could host more than 3,000 students.

SCOTT WHYTE: We’re seeking university programs that are strong in STEM: Science, technology, engineering and math. The reason why is those are the skills our labor force needs, and certainly will be the labor force desired needs of the future.

O’DOWD: Whyte says that work force will allow the city to attract high-tech employers, and students will have an alternative to the state’s large public universities. Peoria is working to lure at least two more colleges from the Midwest -- Huntington University in Indiana, and the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota.