This Week's Latest Tech News in San Bernardino, CA - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

San Bernardino is making notable strides as a tech hub in April 2025, with innovation and community engagement at its core. The tech sector now contributes $3.9 billion to local GDP, fueled by smart city upgrades, rapid broadband expansion, and active partnerships with industry leaders like Amazon and Google, who plan to add 5,000 jobs by 2026 (tech sector growth details).

• Economic Growth: The tech sector boosts San Bernardino's economy by adding $3.9 billion to its GDP, driven by investments and partnership initiatives.
• Education Innovation: Jennifer Davis leads efforts at San Bernardino Valley College’s new $101 million Applied Technology Building, serving over 2,500 students in next-gen programs like EV tech, solar, and fostering digital literacy among underserved youth (education and digital literacy highlights).
• Entrepreneurial Excellence: Creative entrepreneurship shines through local success stories such as electric motorcycle maker Ryvid and space tech firm Fenix Space, with Karen Williams exemplifying innovation spanning industries (entrepreneur spotlights).
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Recent improvements like a $540.2 million broadband project and data-driven traffic systems connect communities and boost tech salaries averaging $88,840.
• Talent & Accessibility: Matthew Harris supports collaborative STEM programs that promote growing digital accessibility for both local students and new residents.

Key Area	Main Contributor	Impact
Economic Development	Amazon, Google	Addition of 5,000 jobs by 2026
Education	Jennifer Davis	2,500 students trained in new tech fields
Entrepreneurship	Karen Williams	Growth of startups and cross-industry innovation
Infrastructure	Matthew Harris	Broadband expansion and higher average tech salaries

These achievements, alongside growing digital accessibility and collaborative STEM programs, illustrate how San Bernardino’s collective energy is building a strong foundation for a digitally driven future.

Crafton Hills College drew attention this week as 10-year-old Alisa Perales became its youngest graduate, earning two associate degrees in Multiple Sciences and Mathematics with a GPA close to 4.0.

Alisa’s educational journey is unique - she began reading at age two, started solving algebra problems by five, and enrolled in college at eight, all supported by her father’s decision to homeschool her full-time.

Their intensive schedule, running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. six days a week, provided the foundation for her early achievement. According to interviews, Alisa’s enjoyment of learning matches her enthusiasm for outdoor play, saying,

“It’s very fun to me, almost as fun as playing outside or riding a bike”

(source).

Her story also highlights broader trends in San Bernardino’s STEM landscape.

Although most 10-year-olds are in fifth grade, Alisa thrived in advanced college-level courses thanks to Crafton’s dual-enrollment options and a supportive environment.

Faculty noted her determination and curiosity, with Computer and Information Science chair Charles Miller commenting that Alisa’s age never held her back (faculty perspective).

Socially, adjusting to college at a young age presented challenges, especially finding peers her age, but her family prioritized activities like neighborhood bike rides to help her connect with other children.

As Alisa considers her next steps, she awaits admission to Stanford University and hopes to pursue a career in artificial intelligence.

Her academic trajectory is inspiring for local students and reinforces the value of early STEM engagement. With stories like Alisa’s becoming more common and regional STEM opportunities expanding, it’s clear the Inland Empire is nurturing a tech-savvy generation that’s ready to make a difference (full profile).

• Unique educational journey: Alisa’s accelerated learning demonstrates the impact of family support and personal motivation on academic achievement.
• Diversifying STEM talent: Her success reflects the expanding STEM opportunities and support systems available to young students in the Inland Empire.
• Challenges and adaptation: Alisa’s experience adjusting socially highlights the importance of balance between advanced academics and age-appropriate activities.

Key Figures	Role	Contribution
Alisa Perales	Student graduate	Youngest Crafton Hills College graduate
Charles Miller	Faculty Chair	Supported and guided Alisa’s studies
Richard Jones	Parent/Support	Provided homeschooling and motivation

San Bernardino County Library has launched the Teen Trailblazers Book Club, a new digital initiative aimed at encouraging teens aged 13-17 to read and engage with technology.

This club makes reading more rewarding through a digital experience that motivates participants to track their progress and interact online. Teens who join and complete reading challenges via the Beanstack platform are eligible for incentives such as the Meta Quest 3S Mixed Reality Headset, AirPods 4, a Razer Kraken V4 Wireless Gaming Headset, and an all-terrain hoverboard.

These prize offerings are part of a larger effort to increase participation in teen programs across all 32 library branches, reflecting a county-wide commitment to community engagement and literacy.

• Rewarding reading: Teens can win high-tech prizes by engaging in reading challenges, which motivates ongoing participation.
• Digital engagement: The club uses the Beanstack platform to create interactive online spaces where teens log reading and compete in challenges.
• Skill building: Activities such as digital scavenger hunts and e-book forums develop tech skills in a supportive, structured way.
• Inclusivity emphasized: The library system serves a diverse population, offering equal access to literacy resources through convenient locations and digital tools.

Reading Challenge Platform	Main Benefit	Participation Bonus
Beanstack	Tracks reading progress and encourages competition	Eligibility for prizes like tech headsets and hoverboards
Library e-Resources	Access to digital books and online forums	Structured opportunities to improve tech and literacy skills

The library system emphasizes inclusivity and equal access, serving a diverse population and aiming to extend digital and literacy-focused services through convenient locations and resources.

Participants use Beanstack’s web and mobile apps, which simplify reading logs and allow teens to compete in reading challenges, fostering healthy reading habits and a sense of accomplishment.

As noted by county event listings, the program is free to join and teens can sign up easily online.

The library system emphasizes inclusivity and equal access, serving a diverse population and aiming to extend digital and literacy-focused services through convenient locations and resources like online learning tools.

By leveraging platforms like Beanstack, recognized for its reading motivation features and gamification, the library is tapping into new ways to keep young readers engaged.

For more information about how to join, earn prizes, and explore other opportunities, visit the San Bernardino County Library Teens page.

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) has taken a major step by launching OpenAI’s ChatGPT Edu for the entire campus community, enhancing digital literacy and responsible AI use for students, faculty, and staff.

The university integrated ChatGPT Edu into the myCoyote portal, providing seamless access through single sign-on and making advanced AI tools part of daily academic life for more than 20,000 students and over 1,000 faculty members.

Available since March 2025 for faculty and April 2025 for students, the rollout is part of a CSU-wide initiative aimed at closing equity and accessibility gaps, and it ensures that all CSUSB conversations and data stay private and are not used to train models or shared outside the university.

The ChatGPT Edu implementation supports a broad range of tasks, including summarizing documents, coding, project management, and real-time web searches, and offers access to OpenAI’s GPT-4o model along with advanced privacy features.

More information on CSUSB's configuration and security measures can be found at the CSUSB ChatGPT Edu resource page.

Faculty and students are actively engaging with ChatGPT Edu for coursework, research, and communication.

Practical applications include writing assistance, data analysis, and course design support. CSUSB has developed dedicated resources and webinars to help faculty adapt their teaching to generative AI, promote ethical use, and address academic integrity, as outlined on their extensive ChatGPT Edu Resource portal.

Instructors are encouraged to update policies and course materials to reflect universal access to AI, focusing on responsible integration and transparent attribution.

Additionally, every user receives mandatory training in digital literacy and ethical AI practices, helping to foster a positive culture of AI use. The rollout forms part of CSUSB’s broader digital strategy to improve user experiences in academic and administrative processes, supported by ongoing enhancements in its myCoyote app and continued investment in technology according to the university’s ITS Strategic Plan 2022-2025.

Early results highlight strong community engagement:

Feature	Student Satisfaction (%)	Faculty Satisfaction (%)
Homework Help	72	65
Writing Assistance	68	70
AI Ethics Training	91	73

• Secure myCoyote integration delivers privacy-focused, university-verified AI access for all users – The integration ensures a secure environment for AI tools, supporting privacy and official university verification.
• Platform available 24/7 to all active CSUSB users – Students and faculty can access AI resources anytime, enabling continuous support for academic and administrative tasks.
• Mandatory digital and AI literacy modules included for all students – Every student must complete AI literacy and ethics training to build a well-informed, responsible user base.

This comprehensive approach positions CSUSB as a leader in responsible AI adoption and digital transformation, providing resources, training, and support to prepare students for a tech-driven future.

Bloomington High School’s partnership with San Bernardino County Animal Care is giving local students meaningful pathways into animal care careers by blending classroom learning with practical, real-world experience.

Through this collaboration with the Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program, students in the Veterinary Assistant Program get hands-on training in a fully equipped veterinary classroom, working on shelter pets that are transported to the school by the county.

Under guidance from experienced professionals, students help with veterinary procedures like examinations, deworming, vaccinations, grooming, and nail trimming while learning how to schedule appointments and use shelter management tools.

This setup mirrors the daily operations of a veterinary clinic and gives students a deeper understanding of animal health while also supporting the adoptability of local shelter pets.

According to program details, students gain confidence in essential veterinary skills and support pets’ health and socialization - helping more animals find homes in the community (learn more about this county partnership).

Key features of the Bloomington High-San Bernardino County partnership include:

• Hands-on training: Students receive direct experience by performing veterinary procedures under professional supervision.
• Mentorship provided: Licensed staff offer guidance to help students build confidence and acquire workforce skills.
• Adoption focus: Comprehensive animal care aims to enhance shelter pets’ adoptability through improved health and socialization.
• Education integration: The program aligns with career technical education standards and provides credits towards graduation (read more about the school’s vet assistant program).

Main Area	Benefit	Example
Animal Care	Hands-on experience	Examinations, vaccinations, grooming
Career Prep	Workforce skills	Mentorship, scheduling, management tools
Community Impact	Improved pet adoptability	Socializing shelter pets, adoption support

The program is a model for community collaboration, giving youth valuable experience and job-readiness while directly helping local pets.

Videos from the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health illustrate students in action, preparing animals for adoption and gaining skills that can lead to further opportunities in the veterinary field (see a video highlight).

One participating student, Jennifer Garcia, put it simply: “Learning on-site has given me the confidence and skills to see a real future in animal care.”

This partnership is shaping promising futures for students and making a

difference for animals in need.

Kaiser Permanente’s Ontario Medical Center has launched the nation’s largest hospital-based renewable energy microgrid, marking a key milestone in healthcare resilience and sustainability for San Bernardino County.

This advanced system integrates 2 megawatts of on-site solar arrays, 9 megawatt-hours of non-lithium battery storage, and a 1 megawatt fuel cell, enabling the hospital to generate and store clean energy directly on-site.

The microgrid can provide up to 10 hours of full emergency backup power, supporting uninterrupted operations during outages, a critical capability as California hospitals confront grid instability and extreme weather.

The inclusion of non-lithium battery technology and an automated control system lets the facility shift seamlessly between solar, battery, and grid power, maximizing cost savings while maintaining reliability and safety.

According to hospital leadership, this approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 650 metric tons annually - comparable to taking 140 cars off the road - and produces enough renewable electricity every year to power 275 homes.

Unlike traditional diesel generators, the microgrid’s clean backup reduces health risks tied to fossil fuel emissions, an important factor for surrounding communities.

The battery component was made possible thanks to an $8.3 million grant from the California Energy Commission. Kaiser Permanente’s move builds upon earlier microgrid projects and aligns with its pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Hospital leaders emphasize that the system not only addresses the immediate need for reliable, resilient power in the face of wildfires and outages but also contributes to healthier air and long-term climate action.

• Clean energy microgrid: The hospital now operates the largest renewable energy microgrid in the nation, advancing resilience and sustainability.
• Advanced integration: The system combines solar, battery, and fuel cell power, offering up to 10 hours of uninterrupted backup during outages.
• Health and environmental impact: Annual emissions reductions are equivalent to removing 140 cars from the road, with enough clean electricity for 275 homes.
• Community safety: Transitioning to clean backup power reduces health risks for local residents compared to traditional diesel generators.
• State support: A grant from the California Energy Commission made the innovative battery installation possible.
• Long-term vision: The project supports Kaiser Permanente's net-zero by 2050 pledge and a healthier regional environment.

To learn more about the microgrid’s design and purpose, check out the official announcement from Kaiser Permanente’s news site (energy-efficient hospitals), a summary of operational and environmental benefits from Smart Energy Decisions (Ontario Medical Center adopts microgrid), and a comprehensive overview at Green Building News (largest hospital-based microgrid).

San Bernardino’s housing market has seen notable growth in 2025, affecting both homebuyers and employers in the region. Recent data shows the median home price in San Bernardino County at $522,700 as of March 2025, reflecting an 11.1% year-over-year gain - one of the fastest rates among Southern California counties.

Although San Bernardino remains more affordable than counties like Los Angeles and Orange, where median prices surpass $800,000 and $1.45 million respectively, local tech workers are still feeling pressure as the cost of homeownership outpaces wage growth.

The affordability gap is highlighted in state reports, which show that monthly payments in California have climbed 82% since 2020, with buyers needing incomes far above the median to qualify for a mortgage.

This situation is challenging for tech professionals and startups aiming to stay in San Bernardino, where many are now dedicating over a third of their pre-tax income to housing - well above the recommended 30% threshold of affordability.

For some employers, this has meant shifting more tech hiring out of state or increasing the share of remote positions to attract talent. Programs like the local homestead exemption, recently adjusted to respond to rising prices, offer some help by protecting a portion of homeowners' equity in times of financial hardship, but these benefits lag behind current housing costs.

Meanwhile, affordable housing initiatives for tech workers are in high demand, yet available assistance is limited compared to the needs of the workforce. As inventory slowly increases - aided by more sellers entering the market and new housing developments - the question remains whether enough affordable options will reach those building careers in the area.

For a deeper look at current San Bernardino trends, including recent price histories and economic context, visit this San Bernardino homebuying update, view the broader Southern California housing market analysis, or learn more about statewide affordability challenges and their effect on tech communities.

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is set to host the 2025 NCAA Division II Men’s Golf West/South Central Regional Championship from May 8–10 at Victoria Club in Riverside, welcoming top collegiate teams from two major regions and several individual qualifiers seeking advancement to the national finals.

The Victoria Club, with a storied history in California golf and boasting a current 6,557-yard layout, has often hosted USGA and conference championships, underscoring its reputation as a challenging venue for elite events (CSUSB to Host Regional Championship).

In this year’s regional, 80 teams and 32 individuals were selected nationwide, with the West/South Central event at Victoria Club mirroring the NCAA’s larger format leading up to the finals at PGA National Resort in Florida later in May (NCAA Men’s Golf Regional Selections).

CSUSB’s men’s golf season, which began in February, builds toward this hosting opportunity, with the team competing in several events ahead of regionals (CSUSB 2025 Spring Athletics Schedule).

• Sports technology is enhancing the regional championship, making both player experience and fan engagement significantly richer with digital scoring, analytics, and wearable devices.
• Drone-assisted course mapping provides officials, players, and spectators with a new level of strategic visualization for the competition.
• Wearable tech tracks swing mechanics and player vitals, optimizing performance and safety during the tournament.
• Event management experience is being offered to students and volunteers, helping them gain skills in digital broadcasting, sports technology, and logistics.
• San Bernardino’s presence in collegiate athletics and sports tech careers is reinforced by CSUSB’s innovative approach and hosting of high-profile events.

“Not only do these tools deliver immediate benefits for players and coaches, they also provide a practical learning environment in sports technology, event management, and digital broadcasting for students and volunteers at CSUSB.” - Susan Taylor

Tech Innovation	Main Benefit	Who Benefits
Digital Scoring Platforms	Instant leaderboard and data updates	Players, Fans, Officials
Drone Mapping	Enhanced strategic visualization	Players, Coaches
Wearable Technology	Performance and health tracking	Players, Medical Staff

San Bernardino high schools received widespread attention this week as the 2025 NFL Draft brought local pride to the forefront, highlighted by the selection of alumni like Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels from Cajon High School, who was picked second overall by the Washington Commanders.

Daniels’ NFL debut reflects a growing trend - schools in San Bernardino are producing more professional athletes and doing so by leveraging modern analytics and technology.

This rise mirrors national shifts, with more than 232 high schools represented in recent NFL drafts and programs like Cajon High widely celebrated for their alumni’s achievements and use of data-driven methods (San Bernardino cheers Jayden Daniels).

Programs now rely on advanced tools such as wearable devices to track player workload and health, and AI-enhanced video analysis for evaluating performance, following the broader adoption of analytics seen in high school football nationwide (importance of analytics in high school football).

San Bernardino’s schools, including Cajon High, have implemented digital performance tracking with 78% participation in 2025, compared to just 42% in 2020.

• Real-time stats dashboards enhance coaching by providing immediate insights that inform critical tactical decisions.
• Video breakdown tools help players and coaches by enabling pattern recognition and supporting improvement strategies.
• Remote evaluation platforms expand opportunities by letting scouts assess talent beyond local areas.

This shift is part of a national movement, with Florida, Texas, and California leading the way in total draftees - California accounted for 18 NFL selections in 2024 alone, reinforcing the importance of community, technology, and opportunity (high schools and NFL Draft).

As Cajon High staff has emphasized, today’s athletes benefit as much from data literacy as from traditional training, shaping new avenues from San Bernardino fields to NFL stadiums.

San Bernardino County Library is expanding digital literacy and STEM access with a growing lineup of digital learning competitions and interactive events in 2025.

Through its 24 public branch locations, the library reaches residents across the county, offering not only traditional books but also hands-on learning with coding, 3D design, and technology workshops.

This year, initiatives like the Animaker Space have opened new opportunities for youth and adults to enroll in 3D modeling classes and hands-on makerspace experiences - programs that now run throughout the spring and into summer, keeping participation strong and relevant to today’s tech demands.

For teens, libraries are inviting participation in reading and learning challenges with tech incentives, including book club prize draws for gadgets such as mixed reality headsets and wireless gaming equipment (learn more about library teen programs).

In partnership with digital platforms, the library also provides free access to coding tools, online databases, and resources like Northstar Digital Literacy that help users build core tech and Internet skills (explore digital resources).

The Summer Reading Program now rewards not just literary achievement, but also time spent with STEM-focused books and activities. Participants log their progress through Beanstack on their phones or computers and can win weekly rewards and entries in grand prize drawings at their library branch (get details on summer programs).

These efforts aim to foster interactive learning through coding games and STEM mentorship, while encouraging families to get involved. As Jessica Thompson, a local teen, described:

“Winning a Chromebook changed how I did homework and learned coding. The library made tech feel possible for everyone.”

Recent figures show a significant uptick in STEM club engagement, reinforcing the library’s role in bridging the digital divide and empowering all San Bernardino residents to thrive in a digital future.

The San Bernardino County Museum’s 10th Annual Bucky Ball Gala on May 17, 2025, offered a unique opportunity for families and youth to dive into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) through hands-on experiences in a collaborative environment.

The event’s spotlight, the Exploration Station: A STEAM Lab for Kids, invited attendees of all ages to experiment with building electric circuits and model real-time topography using water flow and rain simulations, integrating art and technology in accessible, interactive ways (event highlights).

In addition to ongoing exhibits, the gala featured live music, dinner, auctions, and honored local partners with the Good Egg Award for their support in expanding STEAM outreach - efforts that support both the San Bernardino County Museum and its branches, like the Victor Valley Museum (Good Egg Award and event details).

• Exploration and Engineering: Hands-on activities let children and families experiment with electric circuits and create simulated landscapes, linking engineering principles with environmental science.
• Art Meets Science: Interactive programs helped kids connect art and scientific discovery, while adults benefited from inspirational talks for all ages.
• Community Impact: Inclusive admission options and various sponsorship levels encouraged broad attendance and provided resources for ongoing educational efforts (gala sponsorship options).

Event Highlight	Main Benefit	Key Contributor
Exploration Station Lab	Interactive STEAM learning	Jessica Miller
Live Music and Talks	Multi-generational engagement	Christopher Miller
Good Egg Award	Recognition of community support	Elizabeth Anderson

The museum team continues to see significant growth in youth engagement and STEAM program enrollment, credited in part to the active partnerships and innovative events like the Bucky Ball Gala.

The event not only celebrates local achievements but also lays the groundwork for ongoing curiosity and learning in science and the arts throughout San Bernardino County.

San Bernardino is quickly emerging as a center of digital innovation, driven by broad investments in technology, education, and digital infrastructure. Local initiatives are making real strides to bridge the digital divide - programs like San Bernardino Valley College’s new $101 million Applied Technology Building are now serving more than 2,500 students in fields such as EV technology, solar, and industrial automation, strengthening workforce readiness for tech roles across the region.

The county’s strong focus on tech literacy is further reflected in the San Bernardino County Library’s "Teen Trailblazers Book Club," which offers VR headsets and Chromebooks as incentives, supporting digital literacy growth for over 2,000 teens in 2025.

Meanwhile, California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is keeping pace by integrating AI tools, granting 17,500 students and 1,000+ faculty access to ChatGPT Edu - this has resulted in an anticipated 73% of students using AI in their coursework this year, setting a new standard for responsible technology adoption in local higher education.

Importantly, San Bernardino’s role as a tech hub is expanding rapidly: the tech sector now contributes $3.9 billion to the local GDP, with major companies like Amazon and Google planning to add 5,000 jobs by 2026 and average tech salaries reaching $88,840 (see recent tech sector data here).

Key developments this week also include:

• Clean energy microgrid: Lisa Thompson reports that Kaiser Permanente’s solar and hydrogen-powered microgrid delivers resilient healthcare with 1.5MWh of clean energy storage.
• Hands-on training partnerships: John Wilson highlights collaborations at Bloomington High School and the County Animal Care program, which provide veterinary tech training to more than 200 students each year.
• Countywide broadband expansion: Barbara Garcia details the allocation of over $540 million in state and federal funds to connect 127,000 homes to high-speed internet, giving students, remote workers, and startups improved access across the county (read about broadband expansion).

San Bernardino’s digital shift is also supported by successful local businesses such as Ryvid (electric motorcycles), Fenix Space (aerospace), and Suveg Cellars (wine innovation), driving job creation and diversifying the economy (learn more about local entrepreneurship).

As these advances take root, community-driven tech opportunities and educational access are set to shape a more connected, inclusive digital future for everyone.