Cal Bear in the Desert

A Chartered Chapter of the Cal Alumni Association in the Coachella Valley.

Mission & History

Cal Bears in the Desert has a proud and evolving legacy of fostering connection, support, and opportunity for UC Berkeley alumni, students, parents, and the broader Coachella Valley community. Since its official recognition as a chartered chapter of the Cal Alumni Association in spring 2013—following nearly a decade of grassroots outreach—the organization has served as a vital bridge linking the university’s tradition of academic excellence with the unique needs and aspirations of the Coachella Valley.

Recognizing the critical importance of a strong local presence, Cal Bears in the Desert has worked closely with Cal’s admissions office, Cal Athletics, campus groups, and a dedicated network of alumni, parents, and volunteers to empower promising students and build meaningful pathways to higher education. Our commitment extends beyond campus pride: we actively engage in mentoring, scholarship development, and community advocacy to uplift underrepresented youth and create lasting change in the region.

The chapter’s efforts have helped raise awareness about the opportunities UC Berkeley offers while providing tangible support—from local college fairs and high school outreach to scholarship fundraising and career networking events. As highlighted in several inspiring stories, including the partnership with local families who champion educational access and the growing network of alumni returning home to give back, Cal Bears in the Desert is more than a community—it’s a catalyst for opportunity and lifelong connection.

Today, we continue to expand our vision by fostering vibrant networks among alumni, students, parents, and local professionals, building bridges between the Coachella Valley and the Berkeley campus. Our goal is to nurture a welcoming, inclusive community where every Golden Bear—past, present, and future—can thrive.

⊕ Annual Homecoming Student Dinner at Cal

Cal Bears in the Desert’s Annual Campus Dinner is a signature event that connects current Cal students from the Coachella Valley with alumni, campus staff, and local supporters. Held at the Latinx Student Resource Center, the dinner provides students access to valuable financial aid, academic, and professional development resources. Alumni share career advice, while campus representatives from Financial Aid, Academic Support, and student organizations foster a supportive network. The dinner concludes with group networking, strengthening connections among students, alumni, and staff. Cal Bears in the Desert extends heartfelt thanks to all alumni, staff, sponsors, and community members who make this event possible.

⊕ Annual New Student Spring Reception

Cal Bears in the Desert annually organizes this important event in partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Educational Outreach Program, the Office of Student Life, Student Housing, and other campus organizations. Designed specifically for newly admitted students from Riverside and Imperial Counties and their families, the event provides critical information on housing options, financial aid, academic majors, registration deadlines, and campus resources. By connecting students and parents directly with campus representatives and alumni, the event aims to ease the transition to UC Berkeley and build a supportive community network from day one. This collaborative effort reflects Cal Bears in the Desert’s ongoing commitment to fostering educational access, student success, and strong ties between the Coachella Valley and the Berkeley campus.

⊕ Cal Football Game Viewing Party

Cal Bears in the Desert hosts regular watch parties for Golden Bear football games, providing local and visiting alumni a vibrant space to come together and cheer on our team when attending games in person isn’t possible. These gatherings offer a fun and friendly environment to reconnect, share Cal pride, and strengthen our alumni community in the Coachella Valley.

⊕ Dorm Room Essentials Scholarship

Cal Bears in the Desert in collaboration with the Oscar G. Armijo CPA Latino Leadership Scholarship – UC Berkeley, donate funds to purchase dorm room essentials for freshmen students from the Coachella valley who may have a financial needs that makes it difficult to afford the basic items including bedding, shower totes, towels, trash bins and laundry hampers.

⊕ Golden Bear Express

This newly organized program, funded by Cal Alumni donations, provides crucial support to low-income freshmen and transfer students from Southern California by offering free flights to the Bay Area at the start of the Fall term. Alumni volunteers warmly welcome students at various Southern California airports, assisting with check-in and offering care packages to ensure they have food and comfort throughout their travel day. Cal Bears in the Desert proudly participated in this important send-off event in 2018 at the Ontario, CA airport, exemplifying our commitment to easing the transition for Coachella Valley students and fostering a strong, supportive Golden Bear community from the very start of their college journey.

⊕ New Student Summer Send-Off

Each summer, Cal Bears in the Desert hosts an annual Summer Send-Off event to warmly welcome local freshmen and transfer students who are preparing to begin their journey at Cal in the Fall. This gathering provides an invaluable opportunity for alumni to connect with future Golden Bears, share their personal insights and experiences, and offer encouragement as these students transition to university life. By fostering early relationships between incoming students and the alumni community, the Summer Send-Off helps build a strong support network that extends throughout their time at Cal and beyond. This tradition reflects Cal Bears in the Desert’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community rooted in mentorship, belonging, and shared pride.

⊕ Ongoing High School Outreach

Cal Bears in the Desert volunteers actively engage with high schools throughout the Coachella Valley, meeting with students and counselors to provide valuable guidance on the UC Berkeley application process. By sharing their own experiences as Cal alumni, our members offer firsthand insights and encouragement to students interested in applying to their alma mater. This outreach is a vital part of our mission to promote higher education access, especially for underserved and underrepresented youth in the region. Through these personal connections and ongoing support, Cal Bears in the Desert helps build a strong pipeline of Coachella Valley students aspiring to join the Berkeley community.

⊕ Parent College Toolbox (PCT)

In collaboration with One Future Coachella Valley and the Oscar G. Armijo CPA Educational Fund, Cal Bears in the Desert members actively participate in workshops and presentations aimed at parents and students interested in pursuing higher education. These sessions provide clear guidance on scholarships, the FAFSA process, college applications, and specifically navigating the UC Berkeley admissions journey. By answering questions and offering personalized support, our volunteers help demystify the college preparation process and empower local families to confidently take the next steps toward academic success.