Field-Based Learning, Outreach, and Workforce Scholarship Program FLOWS Into Palm Desert Campus

PALM DESERT, CA — A program aimed to provide university students with field-based geospatial research that prepares them for diverse career opportunities has expanded to Cal State San Bernardino's Palm Desert campus, it was announced Thursday.

The field-based Learning, Outreach, and Workforce Scholarship program has reached students at the Palm Desert campus to expand community-driven environmental workforce training across Southern California.

The program provides research and service learning opportunities to students by connecting them with local, regional and state natural resource practitioners, community members and Tribal leadership.

Housed at CSUSB's Institute for Watershed Resiliency, the partnership with Palm Desert campus means students can explore and learn about the Coachella Valley's desert regions through desert-based environmental learning.

Officials said this year's FLOWS cohort includes eight students from CSUSB and Cal State Northridge.

This month, fellows partnered with Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Native American Land of Conservancy and the Audubon Society to study regional water systems, restoration efforts and Indigenous governance.

"The FLOWS program that took place in the Coachella Valley was a wonderful experience for students that gave us practical knowledge and skills essential for careers in the environmental field," Matthew Scully, an environmental studies major and FLOWS fellow, said in a statement.

A number of activities and applications during the program include engaging with Tribal communities or organizations to explore Tribal perspectives of water issues, data collection and analysis, and meeting resource practitioners to learn aboutprograms, projects, and career opportunities.

"By expanding collaboration with the Palm Desert campus, FLOWS continues to demonstrate how universities can address real-world environmental challenges while strengthening regional partnerships and workforce pathways," officials said.