COD Foundation’s Transformative Role Through the Fund for Student Success I am personally thrilled by our growing number of dedicated community partners who believe in the potential of our College of the Desert (COD) students – and actively involve themselves in...
COD Launches New $5 Textbook Rental Program
Few people outside of students and their parents may realize that one textbook can cost up to $950. Particularly for students in the STEM programs, required textbooks demand high price tags. The sometimes prohibitively steep cost of these essential learning tools...
Breaking Down Transportation Barriers Helps Students Reach Campus Classes
College of the Desert is always working toward new means of servicing educational access for all students. In response to student transportation issues, COD launched the new Roadrunner Express in January 2024. This first-of-its-kind initiative provides a...
Shaping Tomorrow’s Media Leaders
KESQ, News Channel 3 and the COD Foundation have been allied partners for years. Providing an immersive experience for student interns, they learn the behind-the-scenes of media companies, the back end of production, technical camera skills and creative and news...
Derick Matthew Talay – Leading By Example
At the age of 15, Derick Matthew Talay and his mother immigrated from the Philippines with hopes of achieving the American dream and pursuing higher education. Derick’s enrollment at COD was a major turning point in his life. As an EDGE/plEDGE student, he received...
Indio’s Child Development Center Nurtures Learning & Growth
In 2023, COD marked significant progress in its capital projects, aligning with the institution’s commitment to preparing students for the job markets of today and tomorrow. The culmination of these efforts is evident in the successful establishment of the 18,000 sf...
Roadrunner Motors is Accelerating Student Success
Construction of College of the Desert’s new Roadrunner Motors is on track to begin in the summer of 2024, with the first classes scheduled to start in early 2026, marking a new era for the Roadrunner Automotive program. The cutting-edge facility is a testament to...
Breaking New Ground: COD’s Palm Springs Campus Revolutionizes Education & Hospitality
The long-awaited groundbreaking for COD’s Palm Springs Campus is set to take place in 2024, marking the end of nearly two decades of anticipation. This milestone is accompanied by a visionary plan aimed at revolutionizing education and meeting the increasingly complex...
COD’s Innovative Approach to Nursing Education
The Coachella Valley is renowned for its impressive healthcare facilities. However, with recent healthcare shortages, community leaders have joined forces to support the future scope of healthcare professionals. Over the past 56 years, COD has been a key player,...
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Winter Newsletter 2026
Our Winter 2026 Newsletter is here! Inside, you’ll find stories of generosity in action, updates on initiatives like...
Tiny Home Naming Opportunity Coming Soon!
The College of the Desert Foundation will soon offer a unique naming opportunity for the beloved, student-designed and...
Give the Gift of Experience
If you watched the student video above, you can understand how life-changing experiential trips are to COD students....
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Latest News
Winter Newsletter 2026
Our Winter 2026 Newsletter is here! Inside, you’ll find stories of generosity in action, updates on initiatives like plEDGE for All, highlights from recent Foundation events, and the meaningful impact your support is making for College of the Desert students across...
Tiny Home Naming Opportunity Coming Soon!
The College of the Desert Foundation will soon offer a unique naming opportunity for the beloved, student-designed and built, approximately 225 sq. ft. Tiny Home. The Tiny House on Wheels started out as a classroom competition between College of the Desert first-year...
Give the Gift of Experience
If you watched the student video above, you can understand how life-changing experiential trips are to COD students. If you didn't watch the video, please do that now by clicking above. As we wrap up another year, we invite you to share in the spirit of giving by...












