College of the Desert Foundation receives $1,000 grant from Schnitzer Foundation

It's one of the most impressive and most important resources in our valley: our award-winning College of the Desert (COD).

The college was founded in 1958 and opened its doors for the first time in September 1962. As a two-year college, it offers transfer students an affordable option for starting college before transferring to a four-year institution.

Since 1962, thousands of students have benefited from the exceptional education they have received through COD's many award-winning academic programs.

It is one of more than 115 community colleges in California. Community colleges are a vital part of the world's largest system of higher education, and fortunately for our valley, COD has a very robust and passionate foundation that was created more than 40 years ago as a crucial part of supporting the success of the school and its students.

As part of the foundation's outreach it raises necessary funds through many opportunities, including its successful Stepping Out for COD events. This year's event will take place April 4 at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage and will feature entertainment from country superstar Clay Walker.

These fundraisers bring in the important monies that allow crucial resources to be provided to the students. They are a result of the active and committed College of the Desert Foundation, and its mission is simple.

"We act as an advocate for the college to secure financial support, enhancing the educational opportunities for all students," says Stepping Out for COD co-chair Norma Castaneda.

In the past four decades, the COD Foundation has raised more than $100 million to support student services and now manages endowments and other assets of more than $55 million.

"The endowment funds we raise provide financial support for scholarships, textbooks, classroom technology upgrades, faculty positions, equipment and other programs," says Stepping Out for COD co-chair Jenell VanDenBos. "But even with all this financial support, there are still unmet needs for thousands of students each year."

That's where the foundation and its commitment to the college really matter to COD students. And that's where our Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation Power of Community $1,000 grant comes in.

We are proud to award the incredible efforts of the College of the Desert Foundation this week's grant so they may continue their important work providing much needed support for our local COD students.

Congratulations and bravo to the foundation! We are a richer community because of the presence of our exceptional community college. And it is thriving because of your efforts. We all thank you!

Learn more about the College of the Desert Foundation at codfoundation.org.

Sandie Newton is an award-winning broadcast journalist who began her career in Los Angeles as cohost of the nationally syndicated show "PM Magazine." She went on to host many local and national shows like "Hollywood Insider" before becoming one of the original anchors for E! and a regular on Hallmark Channel's "Home & Family." In 2017, she moved to the desert, creating and hosting NBCares for six years. She is currently the host of "Desert Chat," a half-hour lifestyle show spotlighting all the good people, events and news in the Coachella Valley. Watch it Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on KESQ, at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 11 and noon Mondays on CW5.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: College of the Desert Foundation receives $1,000 grant