COD Recognized For Helping Students Earn Transfer Associate Degrees

PALM DESERT, CA — A statewide educational advocacy group has recognized College of the Desert for helping students earn their associate degrees for transfer and for championing academic achievement among Latinx students.

The Campaign for College Opportunity — an organization that advocates for expanding college access and closing equity gaps in California — announced Friday the selection of COD as a 2022 Champion and a 2022 Equity Champion.

The organization uses associate degrees for transfer as a measure of achievement among some of the state’s historically underserved populations, including students who are Latinx and Black. COD two-year associate degrees are fully transferrable to California State University with no more than 60 semester units or 90 quarter units, according to COD.

“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,” said COD Superintendent/President Martha Garcia, Ed.D. “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.”

Statewide, COD was second only behind Citrus College in Glendora for the number of associate degrees for transfer that were earned among every 50 full-time students. COD was among the top 12 community colleges with at least 65% of Latinx students earning an associate degree for transfer while improving their academic performance.

The college will be formally recognized at a virtual event, the 2022 Champions of Higher Education Celebration, on Nov. 1.

To learn more, visit collegeofthedesert.edu and collegecampaign.org.