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College of the Desert outlines Cal Poly Pomona two‑plus‑three architecture pathway
Summary
College of the Desert representatives described a two‑plus‑three partnership with Cal Poly Pomona that will let students complete two years locally and transfer to a Pomona program at a new Palm Springs campus; presenters highlighted program demographics, scholarship supports and a planned fall 2027 building opening.
Representatives from College of the Desert briefed the California Architects Board on Feb. 26 about their Architecture & Environmental Design program and a new partnership with Cal Poly Pomona.
Presenters said the program includes architecture, construction management, building inspection technology and other design‑adjacent offerings, and that a two‑plus‑three articulation agreement will enable students to complete the first two years locally and transfer to Cal Poly Pomona's program on a new Palm Springs campus. Presenters described the campus project as a bond‑funded $300 million building with a target completion in fall 2027. The college reported roughly 250 architecture students in the first two years, with a student population that is about 78% Hispanic and largely low income.
College representatives said the partnership is intended to reduce economic barriers to the bachelor's degree and to encourage students to remain in the Coachella/Desert Valley workforce. The college described financial‑aid initiatives, including an "edge pledge" program and foundation subsidies that have helped expand access and cover two‑year tuition for some students.
The board asked about enrollment, curriculum alignment with Cal Poly Pomona and student pathways into the workforce; presenters said the coursework aligns closely with Cal Poly Pomona's lower‑division courses and that students will still need to satisfy transfer portfolios and admission criteria at Pomona.
What comes next: The board plans a campus tour and to place the tiny‑home student project on a meeting agenda for an on‑site viewing. Board members signaled support for the pathway concept as one way to broaden entry to architectural education.
