Cal Bears in the Desert

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

Our mission: to connect, celebrate, and support the UC Berkeley community in the Coachella Valley — from admitted students and current Bears to proud alumni who call the desert home.

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 career networking events. 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.

Our Core Programs

Click the + to see the details of each program.

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.

Annual New Student Spring Reception+

Cal Bears in the Desert annually organizes this 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 for newly admitted students from Riverside and Imperial Counties and their families, the event covers housing options, financial aid, academic majors, registration deadlines, and campus resources.

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.

Dorm Room Essentials Scholarship+

Cal Bears in the Desert, in collaboration with the Oscar G. Armijo CPA Latino Leadership Scholarship at UC Berkeley, donates funds to purchase dorm room essentials — bedding, shower totes, towels, trash bins, and laundry hampers — for freshmen students from the Coachella Valley with financial need.

Golden Bear Express+

Funded by Cal Alumni donations, this program provides free flights to the Bay Area for low-income freshmen and transfer students from Southern California at the start of the Fall term. Alumni volunteers welcome students at Southern California airports, assisting with check-in and offering care packages for their travel day.

New Student Summer Send-Off+

Each summer, Cal Bears in the Desert hosts a Summer Send-Off to welcome local freshmen and transfer students preparing to begin their journey at Cal. Alumni share personal insights and encouragement as students transition to university life, building a support network that lasts throughout their time at Cal and beyond.

Ongoing High School Outreach+

Cal Bears in the Desert volunteers engage with high schools throughout the Coachella Valley, meeting with students and counselors to guide them through the UC Berkeley application process and share firsthand experiences as Cal alumni.

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 lead workshops for parents and students on scholarships, the FAFSA process, college applications, and navigating UC Berkeley admissions.