Palm Desert Graduate 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.

Coachella Valley Literacy Network

The Coachella Valley Literacy Network was established by UCR PDGC 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 to be held at UCR PDGC. 

• 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 topic for the 2008-09 year is "The Economic Future of the Coachella Valley. 

• 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 PDGC during our “Emerging Writers Showcase."

• Read more about the WITS program.

Pathways to Success

The Pathways to Success program, launched with a $1.35 million dollar commitment from the College Access Foundation of California, received over 1,000 applications from students in the Coachella Valley wanting to attend college. Their mission is to change the culture of college going rates by offering sizeable scholarships to Coachella Valley undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who wish to complete a college degree. Pathways to Success provides financial resources and student support services to students who have clear career goals, demonstrated leadership or involvement in their community or school, and who have the desire and motivation to succeed.

• Read more about Pathways to Success.