The Desert Sands Unified School District Educational Foundation (DSEF) was established in 2010 as a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. In March 2012, DSEF officially re-established its tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Tax ID# 330452541). Securing and distributing funds to close the ever-widening gap between what an excellent education costs and what the state funds was its purpose at onset and continues today. The initial focus for support to all schools and students within the five cities served by the District was technology in the classrooms. The emphasis in seeking contributions from foundations, corporations, communities, and individuals has been expanded over the years to all components of a quality STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) education. DSEF is run by an all-volunteer, working Board of Directors. While it continues to operate independently from the District, a Director of Community Engagement and Education Foundation was employed by the District in 2019 to serve under the District Superintendent as a liaison between the District and the DSEF Board.