Windermere Real Estate Southern California is firmly positioned as the area leader in residential resale and luxury home sales. But equally as impressive is their philosophy on giving back to the communities in which they serve.

As established members of the community, Windermere Agents and Staff keep an eye on the issues and concerns that impact the local economy, not only in terms of property values, but the educational and vocational pathways that lead to the viability of home ownership for residents and visitors alike. Their knowledge in this area recently helped identify a need to support local students in higher education programs at the community college level.

And from this need, Windermere Real Estate Southern California created their College of the Desert Student Scholarship fund through their Windermere California Foundation. For the 2013-2014 school year, four qualifying students benefit from these scholarships in three categories: Business, Economics and Real Estate Development. These scholarships pay for a portion of the students’ tuition and expenses, and allow students to focus on what’s important – their education.

Two scholarships in the amount of $2500 each will go to qualified students majoring in Business and Economics, and two $1000 scholarships will go to qualified students working toward a Real Estate Development certificate. These scholarships support full-time students taking 12 units or more with at least a 3.0 grade point average.

“Given the unprecedented state budget difficulties, now more than ever the contributions Windermere Real Estate Southern California has made are especially critical,” said Dr. Joel Kinnamon, superintendent and president of College of the Desert. “As much as we do for our students and community, we can do so much more with the financial help we receive from our COD Foundation through its dedicated supporters.”

Bob Deville, co-owner of Windermere Real Estate Southern California, said, “Windermere Real Estate is proud to support these new opportunities for the students of the College of the Desert’s Business, Economics and Real Estate Development programs. As the economy continues to improve, we felt that it was important as one of the Coachella Valley’s industry leaders to show our support and bolster local higher education.”