ONEFUTURE COACHELLA VALLEY REGIONAL HEALTHCARE INITIATIVE
| Lead Subaward Institution: College of the Desert | Pathway: Healthcare |
| Date Funded: January 2024 | Amount Awarded: $997,080 | Project Completion: June 2027 |
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Led by College of the Desert in partnership with OneFuture Coachella Valley, the Regional Healthcare Initiative connects high school learning, college preparation, and healthcare career opportunities. Working with school districts, higher education institutions, and healthcare partners, the project strengthens pathways into nursing and related fields while addressing barriers that can limit students’ progress.
Through dual enrollment, high school students complete college coursework that prepares them for further healthcare education, including prerequisites for College of the Desert’s Licensed Vocational Nursing program. Academic support, including biology and chemistry study sessions and Study Jams, helps students navigate challenging coursework and prepare for their next steps.
Nursing peer mentorship with CSU San Bernardino, career exploration, and engagement with healthcare partners help students understand their options and build connections. OneFuture complements these experiences with financial assistance and coordinated student support to help participating students transition into and persist in nursing education.
By combining early college access, academic preparation, mentorship, and financial support, the initiative creates more accessible routes into healthcare careers and helps develop a local workforce that reflects and serves the Coachella Valley community.
Recovery with Equity Strategies: Cultivate inclusive, engaging and equity-oriented learning environments; Retain students through inclusive support; Provide high-tech, high touch advising; Support college preparation and early credit
“Students need both a clear path into healthcare and support along the way. This partnership brings college coursework, mentorship, and financial assistance together to help local students move toward careers serving their community.”
PROJECT IMPACT
The OneFuture Regional Healthcare Initiative has strengthened the transition from high school coursework into nursing education. Students completed all four prerequisite courses and qualified for College of the Desert’s Fall 2026 Licensed Vocational Nursing program securing admission. Students received financial assistance covering program costs alongside coordinated support from OneFuture Coachella Valley. Academic study sessions, nursing peer mentorship, and career exploration further support students’ preparation and persistence. Together, these efforts reduce academic and financial barriers while helping local students advance toward healthcare careers.
Continued collaboration among school districts, colleges, and healthcare partners to improve education-to-career pathways.
Advanced students into nursing education with pathway students securing admission to the Fall 2026 LVN cohort.
Reduced financial barriers by covering program costs, alongside coordinated support from OneFuture Coachella Valley.
KEY MILESTONES
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
Expanding access to healthcare education and career pathways for students in the Coachella Valley.
Students Served
Students supported through College of the Desert's K–16 healthcare education initiative.
Dual Enrollment Students
Students participating in dual enrollment opportunities through College of the Desert's healthcare pathway initiative.
PROJECT PARTNERS
This work is made possible thanks to the support of these and many additional regional partners.
