STUDENTS ENGAGED IN EDUCATOR DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICE (SEEDS)

| Lead Subaward Institution: Palm Springs Unified School District | Pathway: Education |

| Date Funded: January 2024 | |Amount Awarded: $500,000 | Project Completion: June 2028 |

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Palm Springs Unified School District’s SEEDS project prepares high school students for careers in early childhood education through college coursework, practical learning, and career preparation. In partnership with College of the Desert and CSU San Bernardino, the project strengthens a “Grow Your Own” educator pathway that connects local students with opportunities to serve their community.

Students earn early college credit through College of the Desert’s child development courses while exploring how young children learn and grow. Observations in preschool and transitional kindergarten classrooms connect coursework with teaching practices and help students understand the responsibilities of early childhood educators.

Tutoring, field trips, college exploration, and paraprofessional exam preparation support students as they plan their next steps. Collaboration with district human resources staff helps participants understand employment requirements and opportunities to pursue early childhood education paraprofessional roles while continuing their education.

By connecting high school learning with college preparation and local employment opportunities, SEEDS creates more accessible routes into education careers and helps develop the district’s future educator workforce.

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

“Through SEEDS, students begin to see themselves as educators in the community where they grew up. We’re helping them connect that possibility with college coursework, classroom experience, and support for their next steps.”

PROJECT IMPACT

SEEDS has expanded access to early childhood education pathways by connecting high school students with college credit, classroom observations, and preparation for local employment. Embedding dual enrollment courses within the school day makes participation more accessible, while tutoring and paraprofessional exam preparation help students work toward their educational and career goals. Through preschool and transitional kindergarten observations, participants connect child development concepts with teaching practices. Together, these experiences strengthen PSUSD’s “Grow Your Own” educator pipeline, helping students prepare for continued education and opportunities to serve children in their community.

  • Extended early childhood education programming to students at Desert Hot Springs and Cathedral City high schools.

  • Embedded College of the Desert child development courses within the regular school day.

  • Offered tutoring, paraprofessional exam preparation, and guidance on district employment requirements.

  • Provided structured observations in preschool and transitional kindergarten settings.

KEY MILESTONES

Palm Springs Unified School District

IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

Supporting future educators through accessible education pathways and early college opportunities.

216

Students Served

Students supported through Palm Springs Unified School District's SEEDS educator development initiative.

541

Dual Enrollment Students

Students participating in dual enrollment opportunities supporting early college access and educator career pathways.

PROJECT PARTNERS

This work is made possible thanks to the support of these and many additional regional partners.