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 helping make experiential learning trips possible for College of the Desert students like Teresa. These hands-on journeys take students out of the classroom and into the world — often giving them their very first opportunity to travel beyond the Coachella Valley.

You already know COD’s vital impact on our region. We train auto repair technicians, culinary professionals, and 85% of the Valley’s nursing workforce.

When students learn abroad, they return with greater confidence and a deeper understanding of people, cultures, and global issues. These experiences broaden perspectives, build compassion, and ignite inspiration. Students come home even better equipped to serve our community.

In 2026, we are planning four student trips — to Japan, San Miguel de Allende, Ghana, and New York. Each experience will cost approximately $40,000 and we need your help to make it happen!

As you think about your year-end giving, we hope you’ll consider supporting these life-changing opportunities. Your gift of any size can brighten a student’s future in a meaningful way.

Ways to Give

• We Accept all Major Credit Cards
• Cash or Check
• IRA Distribution, Stocks, etc.
• Payroll Deductions
• … and more.

Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and your belief in COD students.