College of the Desert (COD) recently received two awards for opening the door to higher education to more students.
The public community college in Palm Desert was named 2022 Champion and 2022 Equity Champion, according to a news release from the school. The Campaign for College Opportunity selected COD as the award recipient in order to recognize the school's success in helping students earn their Associate Degrees for Transfer. COD was also recognized for "championing academic achievement among Latinx students."
"College of the Desert provides a gateway to a brighter future through access to higher education, particularly for those who face social and economic barriers," Martha Garcia, superintendent and president of COD, said in the news release. "We will continue to make college a reality through programs and services such as free tuition, support, and counseling so all students in the Coachella Valley can realize their dreams and thrive."
The Campaign for College Opportunity "advocates for expanding college access and closing equity gaps in California," the news release noted. The organization measures achievement through Associate Degrees for Transfer among the state's historically underserved populations, including Latinx and Black students.
COD this year was behind Citrus College in Glendora for the number of Associate Degrees for Transfer earned among every 50 full-time students, according to the news release. Additionally, COD placed among the top 12 community colleges with at least 65% of Latinx students who boosted their academic performance while earning an Associate Degree for Transfer. COD will receive formal recognition at the 2022 Champions of Higher Education Celebration, a virtual event that will occur on Nov. 1.
The Campaign for College Opportunity was founded in 2003, according to its website. The organization works to ensure that all students in California gain the opportunity "to attend and succeed in college in order to build a vibrant workforce, economy, and democracy." It makes investments in higher education for the benefit and well-being of all Californians with financial support from several groups, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, California Community Foundation, Edison International, and The James Irvine Foundation.
The organization supports transfers "between the state's community colleges and four-year universities so that more students can complete their college education," the website noted.