The Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses has named San Bernardino Valley College the recipient of the 2026 HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Visionary Award. The recognition highlights the college's pivotal role in developing a workforce equipped for sustainable industries that drive economic and community strength. SBVC will be honored at the 2026 HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Summit on April 22, 2026.
This award matters because it underscores a vital educational mission with tangible regional impact. Frank Montes, founding chair of HCSB, stated the organization's focus is on helping students and entrepreneurs prepare for sustainable jobs that strengthen economies. The partnership with SBVC brings this mission to life by creating direct pathways from education to employment in fields essential for future stability.
For students and the community, the implications are significant. SBVC prepares individuals for careers in clean energy, water and environmental systems, transportation, aviation, logistics, skilled trades, and supporting technologies. This translates to affordable pathways where students earn industry credentials, gain hands-on experience, and enter family-supporting jobs. The college connects education to opportunity through modern facilities and real-world training via internships and apprenticeships.
The importance extends to regional economic resilience. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution where over 72% of students identify as Hispanic or Latino, SBVC mirrors and serves its community. It prepares local residents for industries powering the Inland Empire's economy, creating pathways for families to build futures within their own communities. Dr. Gilbert Contreras, president of SBVC, emphasized that together with HCSB, they are creating real opportunities while building a stronger, more sustainable region.
SBVC's commitment is demonstrated through sustainable campus operations aligned with academic programs. The college is part of the San Bernardino Community College District's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. Investments include the Applied Technology Building, a 114,000-square-foot, all-electric, net-zero-ready facility completed in 2025 and tracking LEED Platinum certification. More information about sustainable infrastructure is available at https://www.valleycollege.edu. The building features passive cooling and photovoltaic systems providing nearly 70% of its energy. The upcoming Career Pathways 2 Building, targeting 2027 completion, pursues LEED Gold and Envision Sustainable certifications with a water stewardship focus.
The broader implication is a model for integrating sustainability into education and infrastructure. Campus features like drought-tolerant landscaping and modular wetlands that capture and treat stormwater reinforce a comprehensive environmental approach. For the industry, this means a pipeline of skilled workers for sustainable fields. For the world, it represents how educational institutions can directly address economic and environmental challenges through workforce development and operational responsibility.
