Thursday, September 3 | Volume 40 No. 25

Thursday, September 3, 2026

City of Riverside Approves Veteran-Focused Technology Workforce Program

Applied Technology Lab to connect military veterans and underserved residents with opportunities in emerging technologies

RIVERSIDE, CA — August 26, 2026 — The City of Riverside has approved a Memorandum of Un derstanding (MOU) with the In stitute for Veterans & Emerging Technology Skills (iVETS) and STEMWORX to build a sustain able pipeline for military veter ans and underserved community members transitioning into hightech, emerging fields. The initiative aims to support Riverside's growth as a regional hub for applied technology and artificial intelligence (AI) while expanding equitable access to high-paying technology careers. “This strategic partnership es tablishes a clear bridge for our service members and residents into the high-growth technology economy,” said Alan Stanly, Chair of the iVETS Board of Directors.

“By combining specialized ap plied technology training with a unique workforce execution and deployment strategy tailored to veterans, Riverside is paving the way for sustainable economic de velopment.” The partnership builds on work force development work begun in San Bernardino. Enterprise Tech nology Alliance, Inc. (ETA), a San Marcos, California-based technol ogy company and direct employer focused on AI, logistics technol ogy, and software, has worked with local universities and city leaders to bring technology jobs to the Inland Empire. Together, the three organizations provide a full opportunity lifecycle: training through iVETS, workforce de ployment through STEMWORX, and direct employment through

ETA. iVETS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will operate an Applied Technolo gy Lab focused on emerging tech nologies such as AI and quantum computing. Through the lab, iV ETS will deliver hands-on train ing tailored for military veterans and underserved communities, preparing participants for highdemand careers through three- to six-month micro-certifications aimed at specific jobs, with work force deployment managed by STEMWORX. To root the mis sion locally, iVETS and the City of Riverside are exploring mu nicipal space options within city limits. Rather than incubating new start ups, the initiative equips existing and incoming employers with lo cally trained talent keeping jobs in the community and ensuring that local businesses, and com panies considering a move to the region, have ready access to talent trained to their specific needs. The program is also coordinating with the City to prioritize clean energy strategies, environmental stew ardship, and ethical AI practices for the community. iVETS and STEMWORX will execute this vision as separate organizations operating at arm's length — a structure that ensures transparency, regulatory compli ance, and a focus on delivering measurable public benefit. Target operational planning and techni cal specifications are set to be fi nalized for Fall 2026.