Scholarship Programs

Brothers of the Desert is proud to currently support the following scholarship and student success programs focused on Black and LGBTQ+ students in the Coachella Valley. We are planning to launch our own Brothers of the Desert Scholarship by Fall 2024 and are in the process of raising funds for this unique opportunity.

Negro Academic Scholarship Fund (NASF)

Brothers of the Desert awards $1,000 to a deserving Black student in the Coachella Valley through NASF. This organization is a non-profit that has been giving scholarships for the past 53 years. We also host a table each year for their annual fundraiser. Individuals from our organization in the past have matched our organization’s gift..

Each year eligible Black students attending Coachella Valley area high schools are invited to tour HBCUs to consider the possibility and power of attending an HBCU. Students on the trip have been admitted to places like Howard University as a result. Brothers of the Desert gives $1,000 to support this trip and individuals from our group have matched that donation.

Palm Springs Unified School District Historical Black College and University Tour

Safe Schools of the Desert Cities

We award $1,000 each year to a student who identifies as LGBTQ+. We are on our third year of sponsoring this program and are also table sponsors for the annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast that helps raise funds for the program. We have a member from our Community Outreach and Support Committee who serves on an advisory committee to select recipients and to outreach to LGBTQ+ students of color.

One Future Coachella Valley-Black and African American Healthcare Scholarship Initiative

Brothers of the Desert gives $1,000 to the One Coachella Valley’s scholarship and mentorship program. This initiative supports students who are interested in the healthcare field, while recognizing the the lack of engagement and equity that exists in healthcare, specifically in the Black community. We have a dedicated Board member who is helping to coordinate mentorship efforts with our members within our scope of expertise.

“No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us”

— Marsha P. Johnson