The Cal State San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus has created an opportunity for Coachella Valley students to realize just how accessible a college education is, thanks to the support of community members.

“The purpose of the University Legacy Scholarship is to attract some of the ‘best and the brightest’ of our local high school students to select the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus as their university of choice,” said Priscilla Porter, a member of the University Legacy Scholarship Committee.

Scholars are chosen on the basis of their academic achievement, leadership and service to the community, and financial need.

The University Legacy Scholars are awarded a four-year scholarship of $7,000 per year —  roughly the amount of full tuition for full-time undergraduate studies at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus.

The program was created  for deserving local students who are graduates of high schools from the Coachella Valley Unified School District, Desert Sands Unified School District, and Palm Springs Unified School District. In addition, students graduating from accredited private and online schools in the Coachella Valley will be eligible for this scholarship program.

The first class of University Legacy Scholars was welcomed in fall 2017, with the goal of the program to grow to a class of 10-15 new scholars each year. As the program becomes more established, benefits will be offered to transfer students, as well.

“The program’s expansion is limited only by the level of support from our community,” said Sharon Brown-Welty, dean of the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus. “We have been so pleased to receive so much support already, but we want to continue to build the resources that make it possible to keep our academic talent local and be a part of lessening the ‘brain drain’ in our region.”

An online scholarship application and further information about the process can be found at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus scholarships web page.

Completed applications must be received or postmarked by March 2, and are to include transcripts and letters of recommendation. To be considered for this award, applicants must complete the FAFSA. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this prestigious award.

The first class of University Legacy Scholars includes:

  • Nicholas Conoway, La Quinta High School;
  • Adrian Martinez, Rancho Mirage High School;
  • Maria Morales, Shadow Hills High School;
  • Kayla Robles, Palm Springs High School; and
  • Stephanee Sandoval, Indio High School

Located in beautiful Palm Desert, the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a doctorate in educational leadership, and teacher credentials and certificates. With more than 1,400 students, it is the Coachella Valley’s four-year public university and plays a vital role in educating and training the region’s growing population.

For more information about the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, contact Mike Singer in the campus’ Office of Public Affairs at msinger@csusb.edu or (760) 341-2883, ext. 78107, or visit the campus website.