Pre-college programs help residents overcome educational barriers
Cal State San Bernardino's Palm Desert Campus is highlighting four of its programs and services — TRIO Educational Opportunity Center, College Corps, College Assistance Migrant Program and the High School Equivalency Program — designed to support the educational goals of Coachella Valley residents. These initiatives cater to a diverse range of individuals, including high school students, low-income and foster youth, as well as current and former adult workers seeking to attain their high school equivalency certificate.
"The financial support that College Corps has provided me with has alleviated much of the financial burden of being a commuter student," said Juliana Garcia, a student at CSUSB's Palm Desert Campus.
Also in this week's education news roundup: Award season is in full swing as the California Retired Teachers Association honors nine local students with scholarships, while the Coachella Valley Unified School District acknowledges its Teachers of the Year.
Did we miss a noteworthy education story? Raise your hand and send it my way: jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.
Pre-college programs at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus help Coachella Valley residents achieve success
As the school year draws to a close,
CSU San Bernardino's Palm Desert Campus continues its efforts to promote programs and services throughout the Coachella Valley. These initiatives aim to offer educational and personal support, potentially boosting high school graduation, college enrollment and college completion rates. Here a few of those various programs at CSUSB's Palm Desert Campus:
TRIO Educational Opportunity Center: Supports adults 19 years or older with earning their high school diploma or its equivalent and pursuing a program of higher education, such as a certificate program, vocational or trade school, community college of four-year university. The program offers academic advising and education planning; fi
nancial advising and financial aid application assistance; and referrals to other community resources, including housing, mental health, child care and utility assistance.
#CaliforniansForAll College Corps: Assists college students, including eligible AB-540 Dreamers, contribute to their community by participating in a statewide paid volunteer service program focused on K-12 education. The program's goals are to create a generation of civic-minded leaders and help low-income students graduate on time and with less debt. Fellows are tasked with completing 450 hours of community service, are provided with a living allowance of up to $7,000 and an education award of up to $3,000 at the end of their service.
College Assistant Migrant Program: Helps students who are migrant/ seasonal farm workers or the children of migrant/seasonal farm workers stay in school during their first year of college and continue into their second year of higher education. The program offers academic support through college and career planning, progress tracking, advising, as well as financial academic support to basic needs resources.
CSUSB High School Equivalency Program: Recruits, retains and helps people from the local agricultural community obtain their high school equivalency certificate, often referred to as a GED. Upon earning the certificate, the program helps them advance in their line of work, enroll in a trade tech school or community college, and to advance academically and economically. Classes are offered in-person and online, so that students are not limited by geography or time restraints.
For more information: Visit csusb.edu/student-affairs/studentsuccess-educational-equity/pre-college-programs
California Retired Teachers Association announces its 2023-24 high school scholarship recipients
The California Retired Teachers Association's local branch, Desert Roadrunner Division 43, recently awarded local high school graduates with $1,000 each in their pursuit of higher education.
Emma Chapa, who will graduate from La Quinta High School, intends to pursue a degree in business management with a concentration in real estate at UC San Diego, California Baptist University, CSU Fullerton or CSU San Bernardino.
Alexandra Galindo will graduate from Shadow Hills High School as salutatorian. Concurrently enrolled at College of the Desert, Galindo hopes to become a paralegal to pay her own way through law school.
Mark Gonzalez from Shadow Hills High School is known for being an outstanding student dedicated to community service, as well as his academic, athletic and extracurricular pursuits. His goal is to contribute to the betterment of the community, which, he said, has played a crucial role in shaping who he is today.
As junior class president and executive ASB president, Logan Jewett will graduate from La Quinta High School. He was one of 150 performers in the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps who performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. He plans to study mechanical engineering at Oregon State University.
Dakota Minker from Palm Desert High School achieved a three-year streak of being selected to the All-Desert Empire League as a member of the girls' volleyball team. Additionally, she was honored as KESQ's Athlete of the Week during her senior year. She plans to become an architectural engineer, with an emphasis on sustainability.
Isabella Pimentel will graduate from Shadow Hills High School as valedictorian. While balancing her Advanced Placement courses, she earned the 2023 Desert Empire singles title during her time on the girls' tennis team. She also placed first in the DEL singles in shot put and discus — and was even named a top athlete of the fall season by the Desert Sun.
In addition to maintaining a high grade point average while participating in soccer, water polo and swim, Danika Plastino of Xavier College Preparatory High School has volunteered at several local organizations in various capacities. She hopes to become an attorney to help those in need with legal assistance.
Nevaeh Luv Robles from Coachella Valley High School is widely regarded as a dedicated tennis player, having earned the 2023 Desert Valley League individual singles title. Robles, who also plays the snare drum in the high school marching band, intends to study at UC Davis with the goal of becoming a surgeon.
Lily Schneider, recognized as an AP Scholar during her junior year at Palm Desert High School, intends to study architecture with a minor in business at either UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, UC San Diego, New York University or Cal Poly Pomona. A dancer, her long-term goal is to establish her own architectural firm.
For more information: div43.calrta.org or calrta.org
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Coachella Valley Unified School District recognizes its Teachers of the Year
Schools throughout the Coachella Valley celebrated teachers across the valley during Teacher Appreciation Week. This time of year also marks the season for honoring Teachers of the Year, who are typically selected by their peers and colleagues. Unlike Desert
Sands Unified and Palm Springs Unified school districts, Coachella Valley Unified School District organizes this annual recognition, rather than the teachers' union. Note: The list provided by the human resources department did not include educators from John Kelley Elementary, Palm View Elementary, Valley View Elementary, Toro Canyon Middle, and La Familia High schools.
The 2023-24 Teacher of the Year honorees for CVUSD are as follows:
Kathryn Akkerman, Bobby Duke Middle School
Jeffrey Kruger, Cahuilla Desert Academy
Eduardo Servin, César Chávez Elementary School
Guadalupe Hansen, Coachella Valley Adult School
Morelia Baltazar, Coachella Valley High School
Michelle Ramos, Coral Mountain Academy
Jasmina Ivanov, Desert Mirage High School
Daniel Cabanting, Las Palmitas Elementary School
Monica Martinez, Mecca Elementary School
Blanca Ramirez, Mountain Vista Elementary School
Lorena Rodriguez, Oasis Elementary School
Lucia Rodriguez, Peter Pendleton Elementary School
Mirna Serrato, Saul Martinez Elementary School
Adalila Garcia, Sea View Elementary School
Luz Chavez, Valle del Sol Elementary School
Renee Miletic, West Shores High School
Brian Dominguez, West Shores Middle School
Julee Rios, Westside Elementary School
Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.