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 honors the college's leadership in preparing people and communities for a more sustainable future. SBVC will be honored at the 2026 HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Summit on April 22, 2026.
Frank Montes, founding chair of HCSB, emphasized the organization's mission focuses on helping students, small business owners and entrepreneurs prepare for sustainable jobs and businesses that strengthen the economy and communities. The partnership with San Bernardino Valley College brings this mission to life by developing a workforce that keeps the Inland Empire moving forward.
For business and technology leaders, SBVC's approach represents a critical model for regional economic development. The college prepares students for careers in clean energy, water and environmental systems, transportation and transit, aviation, logistics, skilled trades, technology and the businesses that support these industries. This creates clear, affordable pathways from the classroom to meaningful careers where students earn industry-recognized credentials and gain hands-on experience.
The practical implications are significant for industries facing workforce shortages. From maintaining transit and transportation systems to building sustainable infrastructure, managing water resources, powering clean energy and supporting these fields through technology and entrepreneurship, SBVC connects education directly to opportunity. Students learn in modern facilities and gain real-world experience through internships, apprenticeships and workforce partnerships that prepare them for essential jobs.
Dr. Gilbert Contreras, president of San Bernardino Valley College, stated the college is honored to receive this recognition and emphasized the collaboration with HCSB in creating real opportunities for students. The college prepares them for careers in transportation, infrastructure, energy, water and technology while building a stronger, more sustainable region.
As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, San Bernardino Valley College mirrors the community around it, with more than 72% of students identifying as Hispanic or Latino. This connection to place matters for regional economic development, as SBVC exists to serve this region, preparing local residents for the industries that power the Inland Empire's economy and creating pathways for families to build stronger futures in their own communities.
The college demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through both academic programs and campus operations. As part of the San Bernardino Community College District's goal to achieve carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035, SBVC has invested in forward-looking, sustainable infrastructure. The Applied Technology Building, completed in 2025, is a 114,000-square-foot, all-electric, net-zero-ready facility tracking LEED Platinum certification. The building features passive cooling through solar thermal chimneys and extensive photovoltaic canopy and rooftop systems that provide nearly 70% of its energy. More information about sustainable infrastructure projects can be found at https://www.valleycollege.edu.
The Career Pathways 2 Building, targeted for completion in 2027, is pursuing LEED Gold and Envision Sustainable certifications with a focus on water stewardship and resource conservation. Across campus, SBVC has prioritized drought-tolerant landscaping and modular wetlands that capture and treat stormwater, reinforcing a comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility. The Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing small business communities by fostering collaboration among educators, students, entrepreneurs, government and industry partners. Additional details about their programs are available at https://www.hcsb.org.
