The University of California has been active in the Coachella Valley for nearly 100 years, initially supporting the agriculture industry and more recently impacting modern growth issues through research in areas such as transportation, air quality and energy and water conservation. Established in 2005, the Palm Desert Center serves as (a) a base for several UCR research programs; (b) a host to international academic conferences, continuing education and a variety of public service programs; and (c) a resource to extend the reach of UCR by providing outreach efforts in local schools to promote and improve college-going rates in the Coachella Valley. For more information, visit palmdesert.ucr.edu.