In 2023, the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation proudly raised $141,000 to support our mission of awarding scholarships and promoting careers in tourism. Our initiatives focus on empowering the next generation of leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry through educational opportunities, workforce development, and youth engagement.
Scholarships
Our commitment to nurturing talent in the tourism industry is reflected in the scholarships we award each year. In partnership with OneFuture Coachella Valley, we granted $24,000 in scholarships to deserving community college and 4-year university students, helping them pursue their dreams of a career in tourism. Additionally, we awarded a $12,000 scholarship to students from College of the Desert's Hospitality Management program, enabling them to expand their knowledge and gain valuable international experience through a study abroad trip to Japan.
We also provided $22,489 in scholarships for Leadership Institute Certificate training, equipping future leaders with the skills they need to excel in the dynamic tourism landscape. Through these efforts, we continue to invest in the development of a skilled and passionate workforce that will shape the future of the Greater Palm Springs tourism industry.
Youth Engagement
YOUTH PROGRAMS (High School-Level Student Support)
- Work with the three local school districts to strengthen the tourism and hospitality voice in these arenas so that students have the opportunity at a younger age to understand the opportunities available in our industry
- Advocate for the addition of hospitality academy pathway programs to local high schools
Summer Leadership Program:
Our 6-week summer program offers rising high school seniors a unique opportunity for students to learn about career paths in the travel and tourism industry:
- Facilitated sessions by industry professionals with a focus on soft skills, employability, and leadership development
- Behind the scenes tours of local hospitality centers & attractions
- Practical experience through real-world projects
- Preparation for future career opportunities in the hospitality industry
COLLEGE-LEVEL Student Support
OneFuture Coachella Valley
- College scholarships to local students with leadership support services provided by OneFuture CV
- Connect students to industry careers and raise awareness of hospitality pathways and opportunities for career advancement as part of a regional plan for student success.
College of the Desert Hospitality & CSUSB Palm Desert Hospitality Program
- Provide scholarships for COD and CSUSB hospitality students to participate in immersive study abroad experiences in Japan and Italy through our foundation.
- Collaborate closely with program heads to ensure students have opportunities to network with industry professionals at conferences and events.
Connection to Industry, Job Placements, Internships
Promote work-based learning and internship opportunities in hospitality.
Development and facilitation of a Workforce Readiness Committee and Internal Internship Program
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (for Current Workforce)
Career Growth & Opportunities for Advancement
- Partner with College of the Desert’s PaCE program to offer specialized hospitality training, including leadership development (Leadership Institute) and a course on fostering Inclusion and Belonging.
- Provide scholarships through the Tourism Foundation to support employees in advancing their careers.
TEAM GPS Champion training
- Our ambassador program unites a team of destination champions with training, networking opportunities and access to deals & offers to experience the richness of the Coachella Valley.
- The 2.5-hour training course (available both online & in-person) empowers hospitality workforce and our community by:
- Building knowledge and pride for the Coachella Valley
- Providing an overview of the tourism industry and importance of the visitor economy
- Sharing a refresher on customer service and resources that can be utilized to provide curated and knowledgeable customer service.
One Future Coachella Valley | College of the Desert PaCE | Riverside County Workforce Development | Coachella Valley Unified School District | Desert Sands Unified School District | Palm Springs Unified School District
