The Morongo Unified School District has earned the Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association for its innovative partnership between Career Technical Education programs and the Flying Doctors organization, which brings free medical, dental and vision care to residents in the Morongo Basin.
Los Médicos Voladores, The Flying Doctors, is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit medical mission organization that provides free mobile medical and dental clinics to underserved communities in California, Mexico, Haiti, El Salvador and other parts of Latin America. Through short-term volunteer missions, LMV brings together medical and dental professionals, students, pilots, translators and non-medical volunteers to deliver essential healthcare and health education where access is limited.
In 2018 the Morongo USD began partnering with the Flying Doctors to provide hundreds of Morongo Basin residents with essential health services while preparing students for careers in healthcare and culinary fields.The collaboration gives students in the District’s Healthcare (Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant and Pharmacy Technician) and Culinary Arts pathways hands-on experience working alongside licensed professionals to serve their community.
“This partnership bridges the gap between classroom theory and practical application, making education immediately relevant to our students and our community,” said Amy Woods, MUSD Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education.
Woods added that the recognition affirms the District’s commitment to connecting education with service.
“Our students are not only gaining valuable career skills — they’re also learning empathy, professionalism and civic responsibility.”
At the most recent clinic in March 2025, students helped deliver more than 500 services, including dental restorations, cleanings, x-rays, vaccinations and prescription glasses. Culinary Arts students prepared nutritious meals for the volunteers and medical providers.
“As a student in the CTE Medical Assistant program, I got the chance to work with the Flying Doctors at a free clinic for people in our community,” said Marley Kyle, a student at Twentynine Palms High School. “It was really cool to use the things I’ve been learning in class to actually help people in real life.”
Community members have also praised the initiative, noting how uplifting it was to see local students participating in the event.
“Attending the Flying Doctors event was truly a blessing to my family,” said Carissa Long, a local resident. “We received free dental checkups, x-rays and cleanings, and it meant a lot to see young people so committed to helping the community.”
The Golden Bell Award is among California’s highest honors in public education, recognizing outstanding programs that promote innovation and excellence in schools. The District’s recognition underscores its ongoing commitment to fostering academic excellence, community engagement and equitable access to healthcare.
Plans are already underway for the next Morongo Basin Flying Doctors event, scheduled for March 2026, which will continue to prepare students for success while serving the needs of the Morongo Basin community.