Joshua Tree National Park Association was incorporated as the nonprofit cooperating association for Joshua Tree National Park in 1962. The mission for the Joshua Tree National Park Association is to assist with preservation, education, historical, and scientific programs for the benefit of Joshua Tree National Park and its visitors.

Members of JTNPA receive a 15 percent discount on all purchases at park bookstores, as well as most other national park cooperating association bookstores. 

The Desert Institute, the educational branch of Joshua Tree National Park Association, offers outdoor classes in science, history, and the arts. Classes vary in length from one to three days and are taught on weekends. Some classes offer optional college credit through UC Riverside. Course fees vary from $45 to $200.