Often, it's only when students do extraordinary things that they are awarded. But there's a local nonprofit here in the Coachella Valley that believes students who just do the right thing should also be celebrated. And this belief has impacted more than half a million kids worldwide.
Do the Right the Thing started its Palm Springs chapter in 2023. Part of a large organization with more than 70 chapters in the United States, plus four international ones, the local organization has recognized more than 5,000 students across three Coachella Valley school districts and awarded $95,000 in scholarships this past school year.
Terri Ketover, PhD, the nonprofit's founder, president and CEO, said the organization's philosophy is simple: "Give away everything.
Our goal is to help as many kids as we can."
The Palm Springs Chapter looks beyond traditional measures of academic success when deciding to recognize a student. Students who improve their attendance, show more respect or simply perform an act of kindness can also be recognized.
"Kids get a lot of attention for negative behavior," Ketover said, "but not a lot of attention for positive behavior — or certainly small positive behaviors."
These small acts of kindness are part of building a stronger community in the desert. City council members and mayors alongside police officers regularly participate in Do the Right Thing recognition ceremonies. Children and their families, seeing community leaders, take time to recognize the students that have a lasting effect.
The organization's quick expansion has been recognized throughout the Coachella Valley. In 2024, Riverside County Juvenile Justice named it Delinquency Prevention Program of the Year. The following year, Assemblymember Greg Wallis named Do the Right Thing the District 47 Nonprofit of the Year. Later this year, Ketover herself will be honored as an Outstanding Nonprofit Founder by the local chapter of National Philanthropy Day.
Do the Right Thing does more than recognize students for their achievements. In 2024, it started its Student Assistance Program, which provides up to $1,000 to students experiencing crisis within 24 hours of being nominated by a school. Since the program began, the organization has provided more than $20,000 in emergency assistance to students.
As the Palm Springs chapter enters its fourth year, Ketover hopes to continue to increase participation across Coachella Valley school districts and support more students through its Student Assistance Program.
The organization relies on continued support from foundations, businesses, cities and individual donors to maintain its programs. Rather than saving donations for the future, Ketover said the organization wants to address students' current needs.
"We're not going to put away money that could be used this year for kids that needs help this year," Ketover said. "Our hope is that our sponsors and donors will continue to support us so that we can continue to do that into the future."
To learn more about Do the Right Thing or to make a donation, visit dotherightthingps.org.
Savannah Vela is an intern at The Desert Sun.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Do the Right Thing awards $95k in scholarships to 2026 graduates
