COD Offers Fast Track Classes [Sponsored]

No ‘One-Size-Fits-All’ at College of the Desert Paving Way for Fast Track to Success Classes [Sponsored]

Everyone’s story is different. That’s why College of the Desert offers a variety of educational opportunities, such as Fast Track Classes, Work Experience Education, and more.

Fast Track Classes are moving ahead at full speed! “What are Fast Track Classes?” one might ask. They are a range of classes that are offered in increments as short as three weeks and as long as 12 weeks, with options for in-person or online participation. Fast Track Classes offer students the opportunity to complete their degrees and certificates more quickly while juggling families or work. Spring semester Fast Track offerings start 12-week sessions on September 23.

This semester, students can choose from courses in areas such as Child Development and Education, Culinary Arts, math, HVAC, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Welding. Classes are offered in asynchronous and synchronous formats, so students can choose between courses attended at the same time as their classmates or during their preferred hours.

COD is committed to offering accessible education for all students, whether they are parents balancing family and career training, or transfer-bound and completing their requirements for a four-year college. With Fast Track Classes, COD delivers personalized education.

COD recognizes that hands-on work experience is vitally important for career-readiness and often meeting basic needs. COD’s Work Experience Education program allows students to earn up to five college credits for their work. The program also helps students optimize their workplace skills and habits through mentorship and goal-setting. A new collaboration between COD and Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) now allows COD students to work for CVUSD’s Extended Learning Program, which provides after-school enrichment programs for elementary, middle and high schools in the district.

Additional opportunities for paid internships are coming through another exciting program called The Power of Five. Five local, prominent organizations will be offering paid internships which will also count towards college credit. These internships will allow COD to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, keep a pulse on the needs of the regional workforce and aid participating students in becoming career ready.

COD prepares workforce professionals and future leaders through creative educational opportunities and in a timely manner. The College is dedicated to closing persistent equity gaps and enhancing the Coachella Valley economy through its high-quality, flexible and affordable programs.