Cal State San Bernardino, in collaboration with the University of California, Riverside, has launched a five-year, $1 million initiative to boost artificial intelligence education and workforce development in the Inland Empire. The project, Promoting Regional Opportunities for Practical and Engaged Learning in AI (PROPEL AI), is funded by the National Science Foundation and begins this fall, aiming to prepare a diverse new generation of AI professionals and community leaders.

Led by Yunfei Hou, principal investigator, director of CSUSB’s William and Barbara Leonard Transportation Center, and professor of computer science, the project’s leadership team also includes co-principal investigators Xiangyu Li, assistant professor of computer science, and Kimberly Collins, professor of public administration. Together with UCR faculty collaborators, the interdisciplinary team will build inclusive pathways into AI careers for students across the region. The project will focus on:

  • Developing new AI programs: Creating and expanding interdisciplinary courses and academic pathways that equip students with practical AI and data science skills applicable across industries.
  • Creating an AI Help Desk: Launching a community-centered AI Help Desk at CSUSB’s Leonard Transportation Center, where CSUSB and UCR students — mentored by faculty — will provide AI solutions and support to local businesses, nonprofits and community organizations. This hub will serve as a hands-on learning environment, giving students opportunities to apply AI tools to real-world challenges in the Inland Empire.
  • Expanding opportunities for students: Actively recruiting and supporting students into AI pathways, while providing mentoring, tutoring and internship opportunities to prepare them for careers in technology and related fields.

“With this NSF grant, we will launch new academic programs in AI, establish a community-focused AI Help Desk, and expand research opportunities for all students in the Inland Empire. These efforts will provide students with hands-on experience solving real-world challenges, strengthen the region’s workforce, and create flexible pathways into AI careers,” said Hou.

These efforts come at a crucial time. Artificial intelligence has become a driving force in today’s economy – the global AI market is projected to soar from $189 billion in 2023 to $4.8 trillion by 2033. AI and data science specialists are among the fastest-growing job categories in the country, as demand rises across sectors for expertise in machine learning, data analysis and automation. Yet many communities, including the Inland Empire, face a significant workforce gap in AI-related fields.

The Inland Empire has historically been underrepresented in California’s high-tech economy. PROPEL AI is designed to help address this regional gap by creating a local talent pipeline and new opportunities for students to gain AI experience without leaving their community. By training home-grown AI professionals and providing services, like the AI Help Desk to local entrepreneurs and organizations, the project aims to stimulate innovation and meet the Inland Empire’s growing need for AI-savvy talent.

University and regional leaders emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative from multiple perspectives — from advancing STEM education to fostering cross-campus collaboration and strengthening the region’s workforce.

Sastry Pantula, dean of the College of Natural Sciences, underscored the project’s role in advancing inclusive STEM education.

“CSUSB is dedicated to expanding equitable access to all STEM fields, and AI is one of the most transformative areas of the future,” said Pantula. “PROPEL AI will open doors for students of all backgrounds, preparing them with the knowledge and skills to lead in tomorrow’s technology-driven world. This grant is just in time as we work towards getting our students to be critical thinkers and career-ready.”

Tomás Gómez-Arias, dean of the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary work.

“AI is not only a technological breakthrough — it is reshaping how business, government and society operate and interact,” said Gómez-Arias. “PROPEL AI brings together computer science, public administration and community partners in a truly interdisciplinary way, ensuring our students are ready to design solutions that benefit industry, public service and our communities.”

Community leaders also voiced their support. U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) emphasized the project’s potential for regional workforce development.

“As the artificial intelligence workforce rapidly expands and evolves, it is essential that students in the Inland Empire have the skills and knowledge they need to lead successful careers in this growing field,” said Aguilar. “This grant funding for CSUSB’s PROPEL AI program is an important investment in our students’ futures, our region’s workforce and our community’s economic development.”