California State University, San Bernardino will host the 2025 PROPEL AI Symposium, an in-person event focused on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and its ability to drive economic mobility in the Inland Empire.

The symposium will be held Feb. 21 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Santos Manuel Student Union North on the CSUSB campus.

The event will bring together educators, industry leaders and community stakeholders to explore the multifaceted impact of AI. Attendees will explore critical topics, including AI as a tool for increasing educational success, promoting AI skill development for the workforce, creating AI strategies for inclusive learning environments, and understanding the ways in which AI can increase equitable educational attainment and economic mobility.

“The 2025 PROPEL AI Symposium underscores our commitment to exploring the potential of AI to empower our students and our region,” said CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales. “By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we can harness the power of AI to create new opportunities for educational advancement and economic growth in the Inland Empire.”

The symposium agenda will include an opening keynote address by Ajey Jacob of the Information Sciences Institute, and a CEO roundtable discussion moderated by Ashish Vaidya, president and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement (GIA).

In addition to Morales, panelists include Edwin Gomez, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools; Kelly May-Vollmar, superintendent, Desert Sands Unified School District; Waheed Baqai, former COO of Wise Healthcare; and Kimberly Starrs, CEO of Inland SoCal United Way. The agenda also includes a number of plenary sessions.

The luncheon keynote speaker will be Sabba Qwidwai, CEO of Designing Schools; the symposium’s closing keynote speaker will be Merrick Watchorn of Quantum Security Alliance.

“This symposium is a crucial step toward bringing together the brightest minds to explore ways in which we can leverage AI to enhance educational outcomes, prepare our workforce for the future and build a more prosperous and equitable Inland Empire,” said Sam Sudhakar, CSUSB vice president and chief financial officer.

Sudhakar added that the event aims to foster partnerships between CSUSB, GIA, regional businesses, and K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions. Initiatives such as collaborative AI research projects, workforce training programs and student internships with AI-focused companies are anticipated outcomes.

Cost of the conference is $99 and includes a continental breakfast and luncheon. To make a reservation, visit the registration site.