SBCCD Awarded $3.5 Million State Grant to Expand Affordable Career Training in the Inland Empire
Funding will support 910 Inland Empire residents prepare for clean energy, manufacturing, and cybersecurity careers
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — The San Bernardino Community College District’s Economic Development & Corporate Training Center (EDCT) has been awarded a $3.5 million High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) grant from the California Workforce Development Board to expand affordable, high-quality career training for Inland Empire residents. The investment strengthens a regional effort to prepare people for good-paying careers in sectors expected to drive the region’s economic future.
The award supports SBCCD’s leadership of the Inland Empire Regional Collaborative, which includes SBCCD’s two colleges — Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College — along with six additional community colleges, California State University San Bernardino, the Inland Empire Labor Institute, the LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network, and more than 30 regional employers. Together, these partners will expand training, apprenticeships, and supportive services in four priority sectors: clean economy innovation, clean economy adoption, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity.
“This investment helps local residents build skills for jobs that support families and strengthen our region,” said SBCCD Chancellor Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez. “Our colleges at Crafton Hills and San Bernardino Valley have long been gateways to affordable career education, and this funding expands that opportunity across the Inland Empire.”
Expanding Opportunity Across the Region
The project is expected to serve 910 residents over two years through hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and pathways into apprenticeships. Many programs are tuition-free or low-cost and offer supports like basic needs assistance, credit for prior learning, and career coaching.
Training will be offered in fields with strong hiring demand, including:
- Welding, machining, and advanced manufacturing
- Electric vehicle systems and charging infrastructure
- Solar, battery storage, and clean energy technologies
- Cybersecurity and IT support
This award builds on the success of an earlier HRTP investment that trained more than 1,700 Inland Empire residents across SBCCD’s colleges and regional partners.
Partners Working Together
Labor and employer partners will continue helping shape training programs while opening doors to living-wage careers.
“Workers are the backbone of the Inland Empire economy,” said Esmeralda Vazquez, Executive Director of the Inland Empire Labor Institute. “This partnership ensures that residents have real access to high-quality training and strong job opportunities.”
Employers from clean energy, technology, transportation, and manufacturing sectors will contribute to program design and recruitment. Labor allies will help align training with apprenticeship standards and workplace needs.
“This is how we build a stronger Inland Empire workforce,” said SBCCD Board Chair Dr. Nathan Gonzales. “When colleges, employers, and labor partners move in the same direction, our communities benefit.”
Addressing Regional Needs
The Inland Empire continues to face a shortage of quality jobs and a growing need for skilled workers in emerging industries. Many households struggle with basic expenses even when someone is working, and employers across the region are seeking talent in clean energy, manufacturing, and cybersecurity.
The HRTP investment aligns with the region’s Jobs First plan and reinforces SBCCD’s mission to create affordable pathways into careers that support upward mobility.
How to Learn More
Residents interested in career training opportunities at Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College, or any regional partner college can visit www.sbccd.edu for program information and enrollment details.
