The California State University, San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus is proud to announce the distribution of more than $100,000 in scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year.

This significant investment in student success not only underscores the campus’s commitment to supporting academic excellence and making higher education accessible to all, but also aims to empower students in their academic pursuits and alleviate their financial burdens.

This year, the Palm Desert Campus (PDC) awarded scholarships to more than 50 deserving students across various disciplines. These scholarships recognize not only academic excellence, but also community involvement and dedication to personal growth.

“Investing in our students is crucial to their success and the future of our community,” said Edna Martinez, associate vice president at PDC. “These scholarships reflect our commitment to providing accessible education and ensuring that financial challenges do not hinder our students from achieving their goals.”

In addition to financial assistance, scholarship recipients gain access to a range of resources designed to enhance their academic experience, including mentorship opportunities, peer tutoring and career development workshops.

A few PDC scholarship recipients share their thoughts about what receiving a scholarship means to them.

“As a first-generation student, I work while attending school, which can be tough. This scholarship has really helped take some of the financial stress off my shoulders. This support will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on financial worries. I’ll use the funds to pay for tuition, books and other school expenses to help me reach my goals,” said Jonathan Lopez, a liberal studies major from Coachella who plans to become an elementary school teacher.

“I am sincerely honored to have been chosen as a second-time recipient for the Rogers Scholarship. The scholarship has helped push me forward to achieving more of my goals. I’ve been able to commute and volunteer as a nurse for the unhoused community for the past 18 months. I find this work particularly rewarding and am thankful for the support I’ve received during outreach. During this term, I’m stationed at a state hospital and spend more time preparing for my commute than usual. This award has alleviated some of my worries regarding safe transportation, the unexpected things university life can hurl at you, and the single-parent head-of-household role,” said Jasmin Nichols, a nursing major from Palm Desert who plans to work in a labor and delivery unit and at the bedside of laboring mothers. Additionally, Nichols says that she has a greater goal of acquiring a special certification in perinatal mental health and substance disorders.

“This scholarship significantly alleviates the financial stress of pursuing my education, and I cannot fully express how much this scholarship means to me. This scholarship has provided me with significant relief as I embark on a new chapter in my life, and it serves as a powerful reminder that I am on the right path and that support is available even in times of uncertainty,” said Mackenzie Buchanan, a social work major from Indio who plans to continue with her education and become a licensed clinical social worker.

“It is an honor to receive this scholarship. This grants me the opportunity to continue working toward my educational and career goals. Unfortunately, I was not granted FAFSA this year, and this scholarship will assist me in paying for tuition,” said Jose Fausto, a liberal studies major from Coachella who plans to become an elementary school teacher.

PDC is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment, and these scholarships are a testament to that commitment. With a focus on equity and opportunity, CSUSB aims to empower students from all backgrounds to thrive in their educational journeys.

PDC offers a wide variety of scholarship opportunities and encourages both new and continuing students to apply.

For more information about supporting scholarship programs at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, contact Adolfo Velazquez, director of community engagement and philanthropy, at Adolfo.Velazquez@csusb.edu or (760) 341-2883, ext. 78116.

About the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus: The CSUSB Palm Desert Campus is dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience in the Coachella Valley. With a focus on  academic excellence and community engagement, the campus offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its students and the region.

For more information about the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, contact Mike Singer in the Office of Marketing and Communications at msinger@csusb.edu or (760) 341-2883, ext. 78107, or visit the PDC website at www.csusb.edu/pdc.