College can be a financial juggling act—especially for students attending community colleges like College of the Desert. For many, the decision to attend a two-year school stems from rising tuition costs, delayed life plans, or returning to school later in life while balancing jobs, kids, or both.
That’s why a new initiative from the Los Angeles Community College District is drawing attention. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the program—called Building Outstanding Opportunities for Students to Thrive (BOOST)—is offering $1,000 a month to 251 students, most of whom live at or near the poverty line. The goal? To reduce financial instability so students can focus on their studies.
Stephanie Miner, CEO of Success for Nonprofits, applauds the idea. “A thousand dollars a month would have changed my world when I was in school,” she said. “More power to the donors and students.” She noted the program is funded through private donations managed by a foundation.
Business manager and former news anchor Jim Walker supports the concept with some caution. “It’s helpful if it frees up students to study instead of work. But how do we ensure the money is used responsibly?”
Stephanie countered that oversight could be costly and unnecessary. “We need to have faith in the students. If going out to eat occasionally makes their college experience better, that’s okay.”
Closer to home, about 40% of College of the Desert students come from lower-income backgrounds, and 68% receive financial aid. Expanding a program like BOOST to the Coachella Valley would be a major undertaking—but one that could have a lasting impact on educational access and success.
As Stephanie noted, “It’s about giving students the opportunity to thrive.” And for now, L.A. Community College District is setting the bar for being a good neighbor.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
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By: Fred Roggin
April 30, 2025
