Scholarship Programs
Brothers of the Desert has contributed over $20,000 in scholarships to various organizations within the Coachella Valley. In 2023, it was collectively decided to launch our own scholarship program specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by young men in our community.
Brothers of the Desert Scholarship Program
The Brothers of the Desert Scholarship will be awarded to a student who has completed their secondary education in the Inland Empire, or in the process of completing a 2 year college program or has completed 2 years of college, who identifies as male, Black (African American or of African descent), and Gay (Same Gender Loving, queer, bisexual) and has been accepted into a four-year college or university program in the United States.
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