Regional College Fair Moves to Virtual Platform

‘Next? Think Big!’ regional college fair moves to all-inclusive virtual platform

One of the biggest questions on the minds and in the hearts of high school students thinking about their futures is “What’s next?” The organizers of the successful valley-wide college and career fair met throughout the summer to transform the event, held for the past four years at the Agua Caliente Resort in Rancho Mirage, into a virtual experience. The goal of the college fair – be it in person or virtual – is to encourage local teens to “Think Big!”

This year’s program combines the opportunity to attend virtual college fairs along with a one-stop shop for a wide variety of resources aimed at students and parents preparing for college now or in the future. Check out the website by clicking here. Information on the site is updated on a regular basis and includes access to the virtual college fairs presented by NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling). A link on their site will allow access to a virtual tour of over 600 colleges on Sunday, November 8. The list of participating schools can be found by clicking here,

The “tours” take place from 11:00 am-7:00 pm and are repeated throughout the day.

A comprehensive resource guide can be found by clicking here.  The downloadable booklet includes information on the different college systems, financial aid and scholarships, personal statements, and more. It is provided in both English and Spanish.

The college fair team is made up of representatives from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, One Future Coachella Valley, all three local public school districts, private schools, as well as our local colleges. “We have been working together across the Coachella Valley to provide greater access to higher education opportunities for all students,” said Kate Anderson, the tribe’s director of public relations and co-chair of the program. “This new virtual portal provides students, parents and educators access to all the information needed to plan for and apply to college.  We hope more students choose to pursue a college degree.  It’s proven that students who earn a college degree ultimately have greater opportunities for success in life. We are all on a mission to change the college-going culture in Coachella Valley, and this virtual portal is one more step in that direction.”

Students are encouraged to check out the site while also reaching out to their counselors for assistance in “all things college.”

Editor’s note: This article is a collaboration between the communications representatives of Desert Sands and Palm Springs unified school districts.