California State University, San Bernardino and a coalition of education and industry collaborators 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 – through the Office of Academic Research, University Enterprises Corporation (UEC) and the Applied Innovation and Economic Development Center – CureX Asset Group LLC, and Garner Holt Education Through Imagination, along with additional CREATE Academy collaborators.

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

CREATE Academy 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.

"We are thrilled at the opportunities that these relationships will bring to the university and UEC," said Jason Espinoza, UEC executive director.

“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunity and preparing students for the future of work,” said Ryan Keating, executive director of CSUSB's Applied Innovation and Economic Development Center.

“Through CREATE Academy,” noted CSUSB Chief Research Officer Tim Akers, “we are establishing clear pathways that merge creativity, technology and career readiness – ensuring students have access to experiences that can shape their academic and professional journeys.”

The first phase of the initiative 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.

CREATE Academy 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 collaborator, 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.

"The technologies shaping the next economy will only deliver on their promise if the people building and running them come from everywhere, not just a few places," said Joe Queenan, CEO of Qlocity. "That's the work Qlocity exists to do, and CREATE Academy is exactly the kind of model that earns national scale. We're proud to help carry it there."

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

“This partnership reflects a simple conviction: that opportunity in America must be built deliberately, and built to last,” said De’Andre B. Wells, a retired U.S. Army sergeant who is a co-founder and managing member of CureX Asset Group LLC. “By uniting education, workforce development and industry, we are laying the foundation for a workforce pipeline that serves our students, our employers and our nation for decades to come.”

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