Palm Desert Center

Reaching Out, Making a Difference

Engagement with our communities is an important part of the UCR mission. Learn about activities such as the Literacy Network in the Coachella Valley, our Writers in the Schools program and Pathways to Success.

Current Programs

Coming soon!

Past Programs

Coachella Valley Literacy Network

The Coachella Valley Literacy Network was established by UCR Palm Desert to improve literacy rates in the Coachella Valley by encouraging diverse approaches that promote the desire to read. The group is made up of representatives from literacy services in the Coachella Valley. Its goals include providing resources and educational opportunities that involve the community; facilitating the exchange of best practices; and celebrating literacy through an annual community festival.

• Read more about the Coachella Valley Literacy Network program.

UCR Desert Lyceum

The UCR Desert Lyceum brings together diverse opinions and expertise to annually explore one macro issue of consequence to the Coachella Valley. Through a series of regular public and private forums, the Lyceum promotes dialogue and debate on quality of life, economic growth and balanced sustainability for the future of the Coachella Valley, culminating with an annual summit. The current topic is "The Impact of the Economic Downturn on Quality of Place."

• Read more about the Desert Lyceum.

Writers in the Schools

This gift and grant-funded outreach program puts UCR MFA students in high school English classes teaching eight-week workshops on creative writing. The workshops focus on a variety of creative writing forms and give the MFA students valuable teaching experience. At the end of the program, the high school students are invited to read their work at UCR PD during our “Emerging Writers Showcase."

• Read more about the WITS program.