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College of the Desert tells Desert Hot Springs council it plans free-tuition 'Pledge for All' by 2030
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Summary
College of the Desert officials told the Desert Hot Springs City Council that the college will launch a "Pledge for All" program to make tuition free for Coachella Valley residents by 2030, begin fall 2026 cohorts and expand dual enrollment and apprenticeship pathways.
College of the Desert representatives briefed the Desert Hot Springs City Council on Jan. 20 about a new initiative, "Pledge for All," that the college says will make tuition free for Coachella Valley residents by 2030.
"Let me reiterate that: free tuition," Val Martinez Garcia, identified in the meeting as College of the Desert president and CEO, said in the presentation. Martinez Garcia said COD will begin cohort registration for fall 2026 and plans a marketing rollout next month to explain eligibility and outreach strategies.
Martinez Garcia said the initiative will prioritize several cohorts for the first groups, including military veterans, returning students, workforce learners, first responders and residents with high-school equivalency credentials. The college also plans to expand dual-enrollment agreements with Palm Springs Unified School District, including Desert Hot Springs High School, so students can earn college credit before graduating high school.
Trustee Mary Jane Sanchez Fulton, who identified herself as a Desert Hot Springs resident and COD trustee, told council members she supports the effort and emphasized the programs potential to give first-generation students a pathway to higher education in the valley.
Council members asked how COD will ensure residents learn about the benefit. Martinez Garcia said COD will release marketing materials that define who qualifies and will coordinate with high schools, counselors, veteran services and community partners to reach prospective students.
On student transportation, COD staff said current students can use SunLine transit and an existing COD shuttle that links the Desert Hot Springs campus to other COD campuses; COD said it will work with SunLine and the city as the Palm Springs campus opens to expand pick-up and drop-off options.
The presentation also noted the college intends to hire a director of apprenticeships to expand "earn-while-you-learn" partnerships with regional employers, and staff said the college is exploring a local student drop-in site near the Desert Hot Springs City Center to increase accessibility.
The council did not take formal action on the COD items; the presentation closed after a brief question-and-answer period.
