San Bernardino County outlines Grow Within teacher‑pipeline program; staff say grants have funded hundreds of local educator pathways

San Bernardino County human resources staff presented a multi‑year update on Grow Within — an HR‑led set of grant programs and partnerships intended to convert classified staff into credentialed teachers and otherwise build local educator pipelines. The county said Grow Within has secured competitive state funding and local funding streams and that the program pairs financial incentives with wrap‑around supports to help paraeducators and classified staff pursue bachelor’s degrees, credentials and residency placements. Why it matters: County and district staffing shortages statewide have prompted investments in “grow‑your‑own” programs. The board heard detailed enrollment, funding and outcome figures and asked staff for additional budgetary breakdowns. Key numbers and structure provided by staff - Total awarded and available funding: staff said SBCSS had…