Bulletin Board is a weekly roundup of education news from the Coachella Valley and beyond. This week, there are several exciting updates in the education sector, including the opening of a new three-story academic building on College of the Desert’s downtown Indio Campus. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for this new facility took place on Aug. 15, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the institution.
In addition to this, all three public K-12 school districts in the Coachella Valley have resumed classes for the 2024-25 school year. College of the Desert and California State University, San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus are set to start their academic terms on Monday, Aug. 26. Students at COD who are planning to transfer to CSUSB for the spring semester are encouraged to attend Instant Admit Day on Wednesday, Aug. 28, where they can receive instant approval for a seat in the upcoming semester.
Furthermore, Palm Springs Unified School District continues to provide free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision. This program ensures that students have access to nutritious meals without the need for individual applications. Similarly, Thomas Jefferson Middle School unveiled a state-of-the-art broadcast facility on the first day of school, providing students with opportunities to explore journalism and storytelling.
Palm Springs High School also celebrated the grand opening of its wellness center, thanks to a generous donation from Eisenhower Health. This center offers students a safe space to seek emotional support and counseling. Additionally, College of the Desert has expanded its $5 textbook rental program through the fall semester, providing affordable resources to students. However, the institution is warning students about potential financial aid scams circulating on social media and encouraging them to seek guidance from the financial aid office.
Lastly, local healthcare leaders have committed $2.9 million to expand COD’s nursing program, addressing critical nursing shortages in the region. This investment will support the growth of the nursing cohort, cover program costs, fund scholarships, and provide essential support services to ensure successful program completion and workforce transition.
Overall, these updates reflect the ongoing efforts to enhance education and support students in the Coachella Valley. From new academic buildings to innovative programs and partnerships, the education sector in the region is thriving and evolving to meet the needs of students and the community. For more information on these developments and other education news, stay tuned to Bulletin Board for weekly updates.