Partnership expands STEM and workforce pathways at CSUSB

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) and a coalition of education and industry partners have formalized a partnership under the CREATE Academy framework to expand college access, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning and workforce pathways for students.

The agreement brings together CSUSB, CureX Asset Group LLC and Garner Holt Education Through Imagination, along with additional CREATE Academy partners.

At a time when emerging technologies and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming the workforce and expanding career opportunities, the collaboration is designed to help students prepare to thrive and lead in an evolving economy.

The collaboration will launch a series of programs beginning in summer 2026, including a residential STEAM camp (adding art to STEM), a pre-college STEM experience and educator training designed to connect classroom learning with real-world careers.

The first phase of the partnership will feature a spring and summer 2026 pilot that includes a residential “Makers of Wonder” summer camp for students in grades 6-12 hosted at CSUSB. The camp will offer hands-on, project-based STEAM experiences in areas such as design, engineering and storytelling.

The initiative will also include a pre-college STEM experience for rising high school juniors and seniors, providing access to research labs, faculty mentorship and applied innovation sessions.

Additional workforce readiness programming will offer job shadowing, internship exploration and a co-developed “Job Ready” series focused on professional skills and career preparation, alongside an educator exchange component that includes virtual engagement and a summer residency opportunity for teachers.

As the initiative expands, partners are also bringing expertise in emerging technologies and advanced workforce development to the collaboration.

For example, Qlocity joined CREATE Academy as the global quantum commercialization partner, connecting research, workforce and industry to drive real-world deployment. Working at the convergence of research, education, infrastructure and commercialization, Qlocity builds near and long-term talent pipelines, extending access to opportunity in communities nationwide.

CureX Asset Group LLC will serve as the project manager for the CREATE Academy initiative, coordinating across partners and supporting long-term implementation.

The CREATE Academy model is designed to connect K–12 education, higher education and industry into a cohesive pipeline that supports students from early exposure through college and into careers.

The partners expect the collaboration to serve as a model for expanding access to high-quality STEM education and career-connected learning opportunities in communities across the country.