THERESA A. MIKE SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION $10,000 (FOUR $2,500 SCHOLARSHIPS)

The Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation is a nonprofit organization that awards individual scholarships to full-time, enrolled tribal members of any tribe across the United States, and/or full-time, non-native students from the Coachella Valley and the Morongo Basin. It was established in honor of Theresa Mike’s legacy and dreams and honors her commitment to developing a sense of cultural richness, history, and a future for the people of her tribe. The scholarships are designed to support full-time, post-secondary or graduate students who maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.

AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS SCHOLARSHIP $10,000 (FOUR $2,500 SCHOLARSHIPS)

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is proud to support the educational advancement of young women pursuing their dreams. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized Indian Tribe located in Palm Springs, California, with more than 34,032 acres of reservation lands that extend from Palm Springs through Cathedral City to Rancho Mirage and includes areas of unincorporated Riverside County. As a leader in the region’s economic development, and as one of the largest employers in the Coachella Valley, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is committed to continuing to increase the economic viability of the Coachella Valley community. For more information about the Tribe, visit: www.aguacaliente-nsn.gov.

DESERT CARE NETWORK SCHOLARSHIP $2,500

The three hospitals of Desert Care Network – Desert Regional Medical Center, JFK Memorial Hospital and Hi-Desert Medical Center – are proud to support our local women leaders. We have two female CEOs and a workforce that is more than 70% female. This includes physician residency and fellowship programs where we are training the next generation of doctors. Our network serves the needs of the entire community, and we also offer special services for women. From our hospital-based clinic for high-risk pregnancy to the Comprehensive Breast Center in Palm Springs and La Quinta, we provide some of the latest treatments and technologies in a compassionate setting. We are a Community Built on Care.

DESERT OASIS HEALTHCARE SCHOLARSHIP $2,500

Whether as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, or in any variety of other clinical or administrative positions, women have been leaders at Desert Oasis Healthcare since it was formed in 1981, as one of the first medical groups in the desert communities of Southern California. The hope is that this scholarship will inspire young women to consider careers in healthcare and, perhaps, return to the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities to practice their chosen profession.

ACRISURE ARENA SCHOLARSHIP $2,500

The Acrisure Arena Scholarship is intended for a local young female leader who creates opportunity for community impact by focusing on education, collaboration, community outreach and personal engagement. The recipient can be someone who feels comfortable in the spotlight or one who prefers to work behind-the-scenes to elevate others. She recognizes that when young people work in harmony with one another there’s nothing they cannot achieve. Acrisure Arena is a world-class entertainment venue in the heart of the Coachella Valley and is the “Coolest Spot in the Desert.” We believe in the world-class talent found here in our community and know the ideas born here can leave a legacy and change the world.

COACHELLA VALLEY FIREBIRDS SCHOLARSHIP $2,500

The Coachella Valley Firebirds Scholarship is intended for a local Coachella Valley young female leader who regularly demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence, a drive for personal development, and a passion for supporting her community “teammates” through acts of service.
The recipient showcases leadership, unity, strength and a collaborative nature that lifts-up everyone within Firebirds Territory. She is a reliable teammate who always supports others, knowing that working together creates inclusive and impactful experiences and results. In doing so, she will build legacy for herself and create opportunities for others through her example.
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are a developmental organization on and off the ice. We are proud to support the academic dreams of our Coachella Valley youth and are excited to see the impact each of these students will have within our community and beyond.

PREMA’S PERMACULTURE & COMPOSTING - $2,000

Prema's Permaculture & Composting is a women-owned, for-profit sustainability business transforming food waste into nutrient-rich compost to power urban farms and create year-round green jobs. Founded by mechanical engineer and first-generation immigrant Prema Walker, the business helps cities comply with California’s SB 1383 mandate by diverting organic waste from landfills and turning it into valuable resources. These compost-powered farms provide fresh, local produce, serve as community learning hubs, and offer stable employment opportunities beyond seasonal cycles. With over $269,000 secured through grants and pitch competitions, Prema’s Permaculture proves that women-led enterprises can drive both profit and purpose—building circular economy systems, regenerating the environment, and empowering communities through hands-on sustainability.

The Heart of Hospitals Scholarship $1,500

This is an annual award established by Shay Moraga, Founder of Shay's Warriors Life After Cancer to honor her grandmother, a dedicated nurse of nearly 45 years and close mentor and friend Alison Mayer Sachs an Oncology social worker of 40+ years. This scholarship recognizes the unwavering spirit and commitment of nurses and social workers who serve as the backbone of oncology wards, providing critical care and support to those battling cancer. It reflects a heartfelt tribute to the warriors who fight cancer on the front lines every day.

GUADALUPE CANTU SCHOLARSHIP $1,500

The Guadalupe Cantu Scholarship is sponsored by Pure Barre Palm Desert to establish a scholarship named in the honor of the donor’s mother and her own single parent family after losing her father at a young age.

DESERTCORE LANDSCAPING SCHOLARSHIP $1,000

DesertCore Landscaping serves the Coachella Valley and is based on three values: honesty, reliability and thoroughness. We take pride in delivering detail-oriented work throughout our landscape and hardscape designs, and monthly maintenance services. As an alumnus of the YWL scholarship program, our owner wanted to give back and provide opportunities in the way she was given. This scholarship celebrates the drive and vision of young entrepreneurs on their path to success.