Path Breakers Program Coordinator

Path Breakers Program Associate

Rhonda Valenzuella (CINC class of 2024)
Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians

Center Location
College of the Desert Palm Springs Campus
Room Kwan Su'plli' (PS-06)
1300 E. Baristo Rd.
Palm Springs, CA 92262

Hours
Mon, Tue, Wed 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Thu, Fri - Remote with weekly drop-in virtual office hours from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM - Zoom link

By appointment as well

Contact
pathbreakers@CINCollege.org

Phone: 760-514-4392

Path Breakers Program roadmap to graduation, transfer & support

About the Path Breakers Program

Funded by a generous grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Path Breakers Program is a forward-looking program designed to help students prepare for the “what comes next” in their academic or professional career. It aims to meet students “where they are at” and, over the course of their tenure with CINC, prepare them to successfully transition to their post-CINC goals.

For many students, this will be a transfer to a four-year institution. For others, it will be pursuing careers or vocational programs (N.B., CINC does not currently offer vocational programs). Native American students often face numerous challenges transitioning from the reservation or the tribal college experience to life in a major university. Path Breakers offers a summer experience week, workshops throughout the academic year, one-on-one mentoring, post-CINC follow-up, and early access to college tours and student programs at other campuses. The goal is to identify challenges – academically, culturally, and socially – students face transitioning to a university and to build programs and opportunities to mitigate those challenges.

From the Path Breakers Program Coordinator

Dear CINC Students,

We welcome you to the Path Breakers Program with great pleasure. We are excited to have you join us on this discovery, learning, and growth journey. Our program is designed to support and empower you as you navigate your college experience and beyond.

As members of the Path Breakers Program, you are part of a community committed to academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and personal development. We are dedicated to providing you with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to thrive and succeed.

We encourage you to take advantage of all the Path Breakers Program offers, from workshops and events to networking and support services. Together, we will celebrate your achievements and guide you as you pursue your educational and career goals.

Once again, welcome to the Path Breakers Program. We look forward to seeing you soar and positively impacting your community and beyond.

Sincerely,
Joumana Witt, M. Ed.
Path Breakers Program Coordinator