College of the Desert Marks Construction Milestone

New Palm Springs campus takes shape, poised to serve as a hub for workforce training and economic growth

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:13pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic college campus building repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the modern, pop art aesthetic of the new Palm Springs campus.The vibrant new College of the Desert campus in Palm Springs will bring innovative workforce training programs and a dynamic community hub to the Coachella Valley.Palm Springs Today

College of the Desert has reached a major construction milestone in the development of its new Palm Springs campus, marking the completion of the structural framework. The campus is designed to meet the needs of today's students and tomorrow's workforce, featuring innovative, workforce-aligned programs in areas like digital arts, healthcare, hospitality, and sustainable design. Once complete, the campus is expected to serve thousands of students annually and play a critical role in addressing regional workforce shortages.

Why it matters

The new College of the Desert campus in Palm Springs represents a significant investment in the region's economic future, providing educational and training opportunities aligned with high-growth industries. By partnering with local employers, the college aims to ensure students gain in-demand skills that will support economic mobility and regional growth.

The details

The campus is being built at the intersection of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Farell Drive, and Baristo Road and Farrell Drive. It will feature a dynamic academic environment including general and destination education, anchored by innovative, workforce-aligned programs in areas like digital arts, healthcare, architecture, and hospitality. The campus will also include a multi-use event center, community gathering spaces, and integrated student support services.

  • The structural framework of the campus was completed in March 2026.
  • The new Palm Springs campus is slated to open in Fall 2027.

The players

Val Martinez Garcia

Superintendent/President of College of the Desert.

Ronald Oden

Desert Community College District Board Chair.

Dr. Scott Adkins

Interim Director of Bond Projects and Facilities Planning at College of the Desert.

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What they’re saying

“This moment is about far more than steel and structure, it's about building opportunity. The Palm Springs Campus is designed to meet the needs of today's students and tomorrow's workforce, connecting education directly to economic mobility and regional growth.”

— Val Martinez Garcia, Superintendent/President of College of the Desert

“This campus represents a new model for how community colleges can serve as engines of economic development. We are aligning education with opportunity—ensuring that students are prepared not just for jobs, but for careers that sustain families and strengthen our regional economy.”

— Ronald Oden, Desert Community College District Board Chair

“The next phase is where this campus truly comes to life, through programs, partnerships, and people. We are building not just a campus, but a platform for innovation, collaboration, and community transformation.”

— Dr. Scott Adkins, Interim Director of Bond Projects and Facilities Planning at College of the Desert

What’s next

As construction continues, College of the Desert will expand engagement with community, industry, and philanthropic partners to help shape the campus's programs and ensure long-term success. The new Palm Springs campus is slated to open in Fall 2027.

The takeaway

The new College of the Desert campus in Palm Springs represents a significant investment in the region's economic future, providing educational and training opportunities aligned with high-growth industries. By partnering with local employers, the college aims to ensure students gain in-demand skills that will support economic mobility and regional growth.