Brothers of the Desert is joining with Safe Schools Desert Cities (SSDC) in awarding scholarships to LGBTQI students in the Coachella Valley and surrounding area. ‍We are partnering to collaborate with SSDC to offer a Brothers of the Desert scholarship for students 22 years of age or under. (Primarily High School Students). We have committed to three scholarships for the next three years beginning in the academic year 2021. SafeSchools Mission :“To recognize outstanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or intersex (LGBTQI) youth who, through their participation, dedication and initiative, have helped foster a positive self-image among other LGBTQI youth.”

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.

Negro Academic Scholarship Fund (NASF)


Brothers of the Desert contributes $1,000 to be awarded 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. https://nasfpalmsprings.org

Palm Springs Unified School District Historical Black College and University (HBCU) tour


Palm Springs Unified School District Historical Black College and University (HBCU) tour.

Each year eligible Black students attending Coachella Valley area high schools are invited to tour HBCUs to consider and encourage 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 this year. www.psusd.us

Safe Schools of the Desert Cities


We contribute $1,000 each year to be awarded to a student who identifies within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. We are on our third year of sponsoring this program and contribute by being 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. https://safeschoolsdc.org

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


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

Brothers of the Desert gave $1,000 for this specific program within One Coachella Valley’s scholarship and mentorship program. This initiative supports students who are interested in the healthcare field recognizing the lack of representation of Black providers and in turn the lack of engagement and equity that exists in healthcare. We have a dedicated Board member who is helping to coordinate mentorship efforts with our members within our scope of expertise. https://www.onefuturecv.org/scholarships/