Bulletin Board is a weekly roundup of education news from the Coachella Valley and beyond.
California launches universal college savings accounts for millions
Got questions about the CalKIDS college savings accounts for California families? Here’s what you need to know
CalKIDS
Across Riverside County and the Coachella Valley, thousands of students qualify for up to $1,500 in CalKIDS scholarships. The state program is designed to help with college and career training costs — yet many accounts remain unclaimed.
“These funds aren’t just dollars — they’re an investment in our children’s dreams and in California’s future,” California State Treasure Fiona Ma said. “Every child deserves both the belief and the support to make their dreams real.”
Also in this week’s education roundup: Music legends came together at Palm Springs Unified to inspire young voices in an elementary honor choir; meanwhile, La Quinta High School earned $25,000 from T-Mobile for its Friday night football spirit — and now has a shot at $1 million for a stadium upgrade.
Did we miss a noteworthy education story? Raise your hand and send it my way: jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.
$1,500 CalKIDS scholarships still available for local students
For thousands of students across Riverside County, college and career dreams can start with a scholarship from CalKIDS — and families can still unlock up to $1,500 in savings.
Launched by the state of California in 2022, CalKIDS creates scholarship accounts for eligible students as a first step toward higher education. In Riverside County, 71% of public school students in grades 2-12 qualify for a $500 scholarship, with additional funds available for students in foster care and those experiencing homelessness — for a total of up to $1,500 per child.
“When regional and statewide agencies establish innovative partnerships focused on providing a competitive edge to future generations, every student in California stands to benefit,” Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez said in a press release. “The stories yet to be told by the CalKIDS data over the next decade will reveal how the promise of funds to pay for college fundamentally changes the mindset about pursuing higher education.”
CalKIDS scholarships can be used at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges and career training programs nationwide. Covered expenses include tuition and fees, books, school supplies and even computer equipment. Since accounts are invested until a student is ready for higher education, funds may grow over time.
“We have to talk about affordability early,” Catalina Cifuentes, executive director of college and career readiness at the Riverside County Office of Education, previously told The Desert Sun. “For me, it was the first time I saw a hope to really do K-12 comprehensive college affordability planning by giving them something real and tangible they can do.”
More than 630,000 families in California have already claimed scholarships through the state’s CalKIDS program, while over 260,000 second graders are starting the year with their first account.
For more information: Visit calkids.org.
Elementary choir expands to six schools at Palm Springs Unified with support from music icons
Grammy Award winner Macy Gray and former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum helped launch this year’s Changels Honor Choir on Thursday, Sept. 25 at Agua Caliente Elementary, where more than 100 students from six schools across Palm Springs Unified School District came together for the daylong program.
Gray met with students for a Q&A on her songwriting process, including the inspiration behind her hit “Beauty in the World,” which the choir will perform this season. Sorum, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and co-executive director of Adopt the Arts, also spoke about the nonprofit’s work to expand music education — a mission he’s pursued in partnership with PSUSD in recent years.
Founded by Sorum and actor Jane Lynch, Adopt the Arts provides music programs in underserved schools and continues to grow the Changels Honor Choir, which brings young singers together through messages of unity and hope.
How the community can help La Quinta High School score $1M from T-Mobile for stadium upgrade
La Quinta High School has been named one of 25 finalists in T-Mobile’s nationwide Friday Night 5G Lights competition, earning a $25,000 prize and the chance to compete for a $1 million football stadium upgrade.
The contest drew more than 2,100 high schools, and La Quinta stood out for its rallies that “shake the gym” to the Blackhawks’ raucous “Birdcage” student section — and its commitment to service and school pride, according to a press release from T-Mobile.
The honor comes on the heels of Desert Sands Unified School District approving renaming the high school’s football field to Armstrong Field, in honor of Dan Armstrong, La Quinta High’s first athletic director and longtime football coach.
Here’s how to help the Blackhawks: Vote daily online and spread the word to family, friends and alumni as every click and every show of spirit brings La Quinta closer to the $1 million stadium upgrade.
This year’s honor also builds on prior success. In 2024, the high school won $5,000 through T-Mobile’s $5K Fridays giveaway. Now, as a 2025 finalist, the Blackhawks join Exeter Union High as California’s two representatives in the competition.
La Quinta will also host a special T-Mobile Friday night celebration on Oct. 10, with free concessions, games, giveaways and a halftime check presentation.
For more information: Visit t-mobile.com.
Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.