The California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) San Bernardino County Consortium, in partnership with Cal State San Bernardino, hosted two residential summer programs that introduced more than 60 Inland Empire high school students to entrepreneurship and cybersecurity.

Through the 2026 WITH (Workforce Innovation Technology Hubs) Cyber Camp and UpStarters Discovery Camp, students experienced college life firsthand while developing technical and leadership skills that will prepare them for future academic and career success.

The UpStarters Discovery Camp introduced rising high school juniors and seniors to entrepreneurship through a four-day immersive experience held June 22-25. Hosted by CSUSB's Randall W. Lewis School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship and Cal-SOAP, the program encouraged students to think boldly, lead creatively and develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

Through hands-on experiences, students strengthened leadership skills, built personal brands and learned how innovative ideas can become successful businesses.

Participants engaged in startup challenges, workshops, founder panels, one-on-one mentorship, campus activities, and collaborative business pitch presentations. Working alongside peers and faculty mentors, students developed creative solutions to real-world problems while building confidence as future entrepreneurs.

The program gave 35 students an authentic college experience. Participants spent three nights in CSUSB’s Arrowhead Village residence halls, dined on campus and experienced student life while building meaningful friendships with their peers.

Cal-SOAP led college-readiness workshops covering financial aid, College 101, the California State University system, and the admissions process. Students also heard from a panel of current CSUSB students, who shared their college journeys, offered advice on navigating campus life, and answered questions about the transition from high school to college. 

In addition, Cal-SOAP organized a guided campus tour for students that highlighted CSUSB's academic buildings, student support services, and resources. An evening of bowling at Coyote Lanes at San Manuel Student Union North provided students another opportunity to connect with classmates and strengthen their sense of community outside the classroom.

Reflecting on the program's impact, one student shared, “This camp has inspired me to focus more on becoming an entrepreneur. I learned so much new information that I wouldn't have learned otherwise. The biggest lesson I'll take away is that anyone can become an entrepreneur at any point in life. Hearing the stories of successful entrepreneurs was incredibly inspiring. I would encourage anyone considering this camp to join because it provides valuable knowledge and unforgettable experiences.”

Steven Coronel, a Cal-SOAP student assistant and camp mentor, described the experience as a highlight of his college journey.

“This was my first time participating in a summer camp with high school students, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Coronel. “One of the highlights for me was connecting with students and helping guide them as they began thinking about their futures. My favorite part was participating in the student panel, where they asked questions about our college experiences.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to share my journey, answer their questions, and offer guidance that I hope made the college process feel a little less overwhelming,” said Coronel.

Earlier in the summer, Cal-SOAP partnered with CSUSB's Center for Cyber and AI to host the 2026 WITH Cyber Camp, held June 7-11. The program introduced 28 high school students to the rapidly growing fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Throughout the week, students explored emerging technologies, discussed the future of AI, coded devices, developed innovative solutions, and gained valuable insight into college and career opportunities in cybersecurity and other STEM fields.

Cal-SOAP coordinated the camp's residential experience, allowing students to live and dine on campus, as well as experience college life. Evening recreation and team-building activities helped participants develop friendships while strengthening leadership and communication skills.

“Hosting this summer program has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Erica Gutierrez, Cal-SOAP event manager. “I’ve never seen a group of students connect so naturally, build meaningful friendships, and genuinely enjoy every part of the experience. 

“From the classroom to the evening activities, they embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. Watching their confidence grow and seeing the strong sense of community they created throughout the program was truly inspiring," said Gutierrez.

Students said the cybersecurity courses and WITH Cyber instructional team were among the week’s highlights. They also appreciated experiencing campus life and engaging in evening programming that encouraged teamwork, leadership, and personal growth.

Across both programs, Cal-SOAP advanced its mission of expanding college access and preparing students for higher education through comprehensive college-readiness programming. 

Through immersive residential experiences in entrepreneurship and cybersecurity, Cal-SOAP and CSUSB continue to expand access to educational opportunities for students across San Bernardino County. Together, these programs empower students to explore high-demand career pathways, develop leadership and technical skills, and envision themselves succeeding in college and beyond.

Additionally, participants left the programs with greater confidence, having received valuable mentorship, practical skills, and a deeper understanding of the opportunities available through higher education.