College of the Desert highlights student support programs at campus block party

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) - From food insecurity to homelessness, some College of the Desert students are facing challenges that extend far beyond the classroom.

On Tuesday, the college hosted its annual South Annex Block Party, bringing students together for Halloween-themed activities while highlighting campus programs designed to help them overcome barriers and succeed in their education.

The event featured games, costumes and opportunities for students to connect with staff from several support programs, including Foster Youth Services, the Black Student Success Center, the Dreamer Resource Center and other campus organizations.

But beyond the festivities, organizers say the goal was to introduce students to resources they may not even know exist.

"The purpose of this event is to bring awareness of all the student services programs that we have here in the South Block," said Patricia Espinoza, director of TRIO Upward Bound at College of the Desert.

Espinoza explained that while incoming students typically receive information about financial aid, admissions and academic requirements, they may not realize additional programs are available to support their individual needs.

Helping students overcome challenges

For some students, those needs extend well beyond textbooks and tuition.

Carol MacIntire, a counselor with College of the Desert's Foster Youth Services program, said students who have experienced foster care can face significant obstacles while pursuing their education.

"Some of our students are homeless. They are often [facing] food insecurity," MacIntire said.

The program offers assistance with educational planning, books, meals and transportation through resources such as book cards, meal cards and gas cards.

Students also have access to a study center, computers, a food pantry and scholarship opportunities.

MacIntire said the program works with community organizations, including Harrison House and Olive Crest, to help connect students experiencing housing instability with additional support.

She explained that addressing these challenges is an important part of helping students stay focused on their education.

Creating a sense of belonging

Another program highlighted during Tuesday's event was the college's Black Student Success Center.

The center provides academic tutoring, scholarship information, financial literacy programming and opportunities for students to build connections on campus.

Mary Eden, the center's coordinator and academic counselor, said the services are designed to help students succeed academically while creating a welcoming environment.

"We're here for them no matter what," Eden said, explaining that staff can help students find resources and guide them in the right direction.

David Kesee, a program specialist with the center, emphasized that the college experience is about more than academics.

"It's a sense of belonging that they belong here and there's their community," Kesee said.

Both emphasized that students who have questions or need assistance are encouraged to reach out, even if they are unsure which campus program can best serve them.

Students discover resources they didn't know existed

For College of the Desert student Brianna, a previous South Annex Block Party helped her discover an opportunity she might have otherwise missed.

She said she learned about the TRIO ACES program while attending last year's event.

"For me, it was TRIO ACES. That was a program that I learned last year that I didn't know," she said.

Since joining, Brianna said the program has provided counseling and assistance as she prepares to transfer to another college next fall.

"They've actually been helping me with counseling and to help me transfer out," she said.

Another student, Madison Duran, said the event helps connect students with campus departments and creates opportunities to build relationships.

The two students, who also work as student tour guides, said events like Tuesday's block party allow them to introduce their classmates to services that can sometimes go unnoticed.

Support beyond the block party

While Tuesday's celebration provided an opportunity for students to explore campus resources in a relaxed environment, college staff emphasized that assistance is available throughout the academic year.

MacIntire said the goal is to address students' immediate needs while helping them achieve their long-term educational goals, whether that means graduating or transferring to another institution.

For organizers, the hope is that students leave the event knowing where to turn when challenges arise.

And for students like Brianna, discovering the right program can make a lasting difference in their college experience.