Four College Corps fellows will help Inland Empire residents build practical AI and digital skills through BBOP Center’s Kinetic AI Hub
SAN BERNARDINO, CA — San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) and Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center are launching California’s first #CaliforniansForAll College Corps partnership focused on artificial intelligence literacy, bringing college students and a community-based innovation hub together to expand access to practical AI and digital skills across the Inland Empire.
Through the partnership, four students from Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College will each complete 450 hours of community service with BBOP Center, helping residents learn how to use artificial intelligence and digital tools, evaluate AI-generated information for accuracy and bias, and protect their personal information.
College Corps is a statewide service program that provides participating college students up to $10,000 in exchange for 450 hours of community service.
BBOP Center expands economic opportunity through workforce development, entrepreneurship and business support, capital access, training and other resources designed to help individuals and businesses grow. Through its Kinetic AI Hub, BBOP provides hands-on opportunities for community members to build practical skills in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies that are increasingly shaping how people learn, work and do business.
The partnership comes as AI becomes more common in classrooms, workplaces and everyday life. Training will emphasize AI as a tool for learning and problem-solving, not a substitute for human judgment. Residents will learn how to check AI-generated information, spot errors or bias, protect personal data and make informed decisions about when and how to use the technology.
“AI can be a helpful learning and teaching tool, but people still need strong critical thinking skills to use it well,” said Dr. Nohemy Ornelas, SBCCD Vice Chancellor of Educational and Student Services. “We want our students and our community to know how to use these tools, question the information they receive and make their own informed decisions.”
The work also addresses a digital divide across the region. In a 2022 report, the Southern California Association of Governments found that about 16% of San Bernardino County households lack either a computer or internet access, with rates reaching nearly 38% in some communities. Digital skills are also increasingly needed for education, employment and access to everyday services.
For College Corps fellow Jesse Garcia, the opportunity is also about helping more residents benefit from technology as it continues to evolve.
“What excites me the most about helping community members learn how to use AI and digital tools is how we can finally start narrowing the economic and social gap these communities often face,” Jesse said.
During their service with BBOP Center, the four College Corps fellows will provide technology assistance, basic digital-skills training and practical AI literacy. Their services will support students, adult learners, job seekers, entrepreneurs, families and other residents who want to become more confident using digital tools. They will also help connect residents with education, workforce and technology resources.
“AI is changing how people learn, work and build businesses, and we want Inland Empire residents to have the knowledge and confidence to benefit from that change,” said Carma Lacy, Executive Director of BBOP Center. “This partnership with SBCCD and College Corps brings together student talent, community service and BBOP’s technology resources to help residents build practical skills they can use in their careers, businesses and everyday lives.”
How to Connect
For residents interested in BBOP Center programs, business resources, workforce services or AI training: BBOP Center, bbopcenter.com.
For Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College students interested in College Corps: San Bernardino Community College District, sbccd.edu/college-corps/.
