The Clovis Community College Athletics program will receive a $500,000 gift from Diamond Learning Center, a Clovis-based educational institution where adult students are given the opportunity to be successful no matter their abilities or disabilities.

The gift was to be accepted by the State Center Community College District board Tuesday afternoon at its meeting on the Madera Community College campus.

Diamond’s founder, Jami De La Cerda, became involved in the fall of 2022 with Clovis Community College when she was attracted to its burgeoning Crush athletics program, which has a shared mission of inclusive education and lifelong learning.

De La Cerda was prompted to open Diamond Learning Center because of her lengthy career in serving special education students and her experience seeking equity for her son with Down syndrome.

In recognition of the gift, the yet-to-be constructed sports complex at Clovis Community College will be named ISE Diamond L.I.F.E. Sports Complex.

De La Cerda also founded Gems for L.I.F.E., programming that provides support services for younger students, fosters relationships and sibling connections. and creates employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities.

In 2024, Gems for L.I.F.E. introduced a new inclusive model of employment in E’s Diamond Deli, named for her De La Cerda’s son, Elijah. It provides catering services throughout the region and enables students to earn their food service certificate and move into a career path.