80% of COD’s Students are Either the First in their Family or the First Generation in their Family to Go to College.

Since the onset of the pandemic, many of our students have lost their jobs, housing and financial security. Soaring food, gasoline and housing prices add mounting pressure. They remain faced with a grim reality: pursue their education or pay for utilities, rent, gas or groceries. Our Valley’s business owners are desperate for trained workers, yet our students navigate multiple jobs, battle inflation and struggle to regain years of lost revenue – all while juggling childcare and striving to complete their degree. In too many cases, they will relinquish their dreams of building a career and a better life.

While tuition remains low at community colleges, non-tuition costs make up the majority of student expenses. Combined with California’s higher cost of living, students are experiencing significant financial barriers to college completion. Your donation to the Fund for Student Success will enable thousands of low-income students to complete their studies because they have their essential basic needs met and can begin their climb up the economic ladder.

“Many community college students have difficulty affording basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and childcare. Community colleges provide equal opportunity to pursue high quality education without incurring crushing debt. We believe education is the key to preserving our democracy and hope others will join in supporting community colleges across the country.”

DAN PRITZKER, PRESIDENT OF THE JAY PRITZKER FOUNDATION
GIFTED $100 MILLION TO THE FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES BENEFITING 34 STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGES.

When we provide comprehensive access to education, we produce a professional workforce to strengthen our Valley’s social and economic infrastructure. We believe that no student should miss out on a class or find they are unable to complete an assignment due to a lack of supplies, books or equipment.

You too can Empower COD Students to Spread Their Wings. Call 760.773.2561, email Cabbott@CollegeoftheDesert.edu or scan the QR code to pledge online.