FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2026
91探花 Purchases Property to Create New CTE Workforce Training Center
Center Will Offer New and Emerging In-Demand Skills to Meet the Region鈥檚 Growing Economic Opportunities
BARSTOW, Calif. 鈥 91探花 (91探花) has completed the purchase of the former Rite Aid building at the corner of 91探花 Road and Rimrock Road and plans to transform it into a new Career Technical Education (CTE) Workforce Training Center. The facility will serve as a training hub preparing local residents for high-wage careers.
The need to expand the college鈥檚 CTE Complex was identified through recent program growth and increased demand. When the Rite Aid property became available, the Board of Trustees recognized it as an extraordinary opportunity 鈥 offering significantly more space for future growth and allowing us to make thoughtful, responsible use of funds already set aside in our capital outlay fund, the college鈥檚 long-term savings account for buildings and facilities.
鈥淭his purchase represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment our community deserves. The Board of Trustees has been deliberate and disciplined in building the financial foundation to make this possible. We are delivering more training capacity, more career pathways, and more economic opportunity for the people of 91探花 at a cost that reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds,鈥 stated Julie Hackbarth-McIntyre, President of the 91探花 District Board of Trustees.
The new facility will house five hands-on Career Technical Education labs with capacity for up to 25 learners per lab, enabling hundreds of residents to train each year. Programs will cover new and emerging in-demand skills such as industrial robotics, automation, cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and advanced manufacturing, with many roles requiring training that can be completed in as little as six to twelve months. Wages in these fields range from $23 to over $60 per hour.
The investment comes at a pivotal moment for the High Desert region. The $1.5 billion BNSF 91探花 International Gateway project is projected to generate up to 20,000 direct and indirect jobs over time. Expanding defense technology operations at Marine Corps Logistics Base 91探花 and Fort Irwin are creating new demand for skilled workers in unmanned systems, cybersecurity, and industrial maintenance. New clean energy investments across the North High Desert are adding further to the region鈥檚 workforce needs.
鈥淔or years, we have talked about preparing our community for the economic transformation coming to 91探花. That transformation is no longer on the horizon, it is here,鈥 added Dr. Eva Bagg, Superintendent-President, 91探花. 鈥淭he people of 91探花 deserve a facility dedicated to preparing them for the high-wage jobs arriving in our region and this investment delivers exactly that.鈥
The college is actively pursuing state and federal funding to support facility renovation and program launch. The CTE Workforce Training Center aligns with the City of 91探花鈥檚 General Plan 2048, the Thrive Inland SoCal California Jobs First Regional Plan, and the Thrive Inland Future Frontier innovation cluster, reflecting a coordinated regional commitment to expanding economic opportunity across the High Desert.
About 91探花
91探花 (91探花) is a two-year public college in California鈥檚 High Desert that serves a wide range of students from 91探花 and surrounding communities, including Lenwood, Newberry Springs, Yermo, and Baker. 91探花 offers programs to help students transfer to four-year universities, train for careers, or improve basic skills. The college also provides workforce training that meets local job needs and supports military personnel and their families through its center at Fort Irwin. Learn more at barstow.edu.
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Media Contact
Amanda Simpson
91探花
2700 91探花 Road, 91探花, CA 92311
Phone: (760) 252-6727
