University Alumni of the Coachella Valley graphic

Three staff members at the Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus saw a need for current students to better connect with individuals in the community to develop professional networks and create mentorship programs.

Avi Rodriguez, Oscar Fonseca and Jazmin Vera created the University Alumni of the Coachella Valley to connect Palm Desert Campus students with those who have graduated from both a high school in the Coachella Valley and an accredited university, are working in the Coachella Valley, and are willing to talk to current students about their experiences.

Each month, various alumni from throughout the Coachella Valley will be profiled on the program’s webpage and Instagram page. These profiles will allow PDC students to connect with participating alumni and view their LinkedIn profiles. It will also be an opportunity for alumni to showcase their personal and educational journeys from the beginning to their current employment.

“We hope that our university students will identify with alumni in the Coachella Valley, while making a long-lasting change in our community,” said Rodriguez. “The goal is for our current students and university alumni to share experiences and make professional connections and mentorship opportunities outside the classroom.”

The program is currently virtual due to COVID-19, but in the future, organizers hope to have a leadership conference, networking dinners and other events to bring people together.

University alumni working in the Coachella Valley who are interested in participating as a mentor should submit an interest form on the University Alumni of the Coachella Valley webpage.

The CSUSB Palm Desert Campus offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a doctorate in educational leadership, and teaching credentials and certificates. With more than 1,600 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 Office of Strategic Communication at msinger@csusb.edu or (760) 341-2883, ext. 78107, or visit the campus website at www.csusb.edu/pdc.