In October 2004, the Charles and Priscilla Porter History-Social Science Resource Room was endowed at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus (PDC). Housed in the Indian Wells Center for Educational Excellence Building, Room IW 302, the purpose is to provide for the set-up and organization of California standards-based resources for credential students and local area teachers; for professional development activities for teachers in the areas of history, geography, economics, and political science; and, to enhance the reputation of California State University, San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus as an educational leader in the social science field. The remainder of the funds are intended to stay with the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation as an endowment so that the earnings from these amounts shall be applied against the upkeep of the collection and for professional development activities.
Numerous teacher workshops and model lessons have been offered for teachers of the elementary grades and for PDC students. In 2005, the Porters founded Academic WorldQuest, a competition between high schools in the Coachella Valley sponsored by the World Affairs Council of the Desert.
In 2020, with the university’s selection of Dr. Michael Karp as a full-time tenure-track history faculty member, the facility was renamed the Porter History-Social Science Resource Center to reflect the expanded use of the facility, and Dr. Karp has been named as co-director. New programs include a PDC History Club, internships, support for history majors and teachers of middle school and high school, and the establishment of a History Day program for students and teachers of Grades 4-5, middle school, and high school.
About Michael Karp
Michael Karp is the Co-Director of the Porter History-Social Science Resource Center. Michael has had the unique privilege to teach in a variety of settings including an independent middle school, public high schools, dual enrollment programs, and community colleges and universities. As an educator and resident of the Coachella Valley, he is thankful each day for the opportunity to work with our students and the larger community.
About the Porters
Priscilla H. Porter is the Co-Director of the Porter History-Social Science Resource Center. A former elementary school teacher, she has taught all grade levels from Kindergarten to Grade 6. Priscilla volunteers at the Coachella Valley History Museum and is the Founder of their Jr. Historian Program. Dr. Porter is Professor Emeritus of California State University, Dominguez Hills and is a recipient of the California Council for the Social Studies prestigious Hilda Taba Award.
Charles Porter is the former president of Dominguez Water Corporation and the founder of Academic WorldQuest, a competition for high school students sponsored by the World Affairs Council of the Desert. He served as Chair of the President’s Advisory Board at California State University Dominguez Hills.
Porter Center Hours
The Porter Center is open during Professor Karp’s office hours and additional times are available upon request. Please contact Michael Karp to schedule an appointment.
Porter Center Location
Palm Desert Campus of California State University, San Bernardino
Indian Wells Center for Educational Excellence, Room 302
37-500 Cook St., Palm Desert, CA 92211
760-341-2883, ext. 103