Philanthropy in Action
The Annexstad Family Foundation Provides Hope & Inspiration
Part-time residents of the Coachella Valley, Al and Cathy Annexstad, established The Annexstad Family Foundation in 2000. For more than two decades, they have provided college scholarships that help students continue on the paths to their goals with little to no college debt. Saluting the Ambitions of Our Service [...]
Innovative Hospitality Management Curriculum Delivers Excellence
To say that the Coachella Valley relies upon tourism as one of our most important resources would be an understatement. Millions of visitors’ vacations in the Valley, generating over $7 billion annually. So, it is no surprise that COD would invest in developing the most innovative, hands-on curriculum by [...]
How Supporting Basic Needs Makes the Difference between a Diploma or Dropping Out
Empowering Success for Foster Youths It’s easy to understand how young adults in the foster system face extremely significant obstacles in achieving long-term stability and academic success. Basic needs such as housing, nutrition, transportation and emotional stability are heavy burdens to overcome. The College of the Desert Foundation recognizes these [...]
COD Central Pantries and FIND Food Bank Help Students Eat While Reducing the Plight of Hunger
Students who hunger for a meaningful way to serve their community while moving toward a college degree, have found it at COD, thanks to a program that started in early 2022. College of the Desert, the FIND Food Bank, and the nonprofit groups One Future Coachella Valley and Growing [...]
Give Students the Basic Needs to Succeed
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 [...]
Inspired Millions
MacKenzie Scott’s $18M Gift Inspires a New Generation of Donors. In June 2021, College of the Desert (COD) received its largest one-time grant in the College’s 60-year history, an unprecedented $18 million donation from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Scott identified COD as one of 286 high-impact organizations in communities with [...]
When Our Students Thrive, the Valley Thrives
I’m deeply inspired by the progress the COD Foundation has made. I first became involved with COD because, as those who are familiar with the area can attest, it is the hub of the Valley. Here, young adults drive their lives forward and learn to become the person they [...]
COD’s Nurses Are Ready for Any Emergency
Nursing program’s fast-paced Simulation Lab is designed to prep nurses for care under Pressure. Hands-on opportunities create decision-makers ready for any situation. Grads will use their critical thinking and clinical judgment while caring for patients - from how to speak to a physician, engage in conflict resolution or handle [...]
