The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its inaugural State of Education Forum on Friday, May 1, at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, bringing together educators, business leaders and workforce advocates for a public discussion on student success and regional economic growth.
The event will feature leaders from Coachella Valley Unified School District, Desert Sands Unified School District, Palm Springs Unified School District, College of the Desert and the chamber, along with a panel discussion that includes OneFuture Coachella Valley.
At its core, the forum is about how the Coachella Valley prepares students for the opportunities ahead and how that work connects directly to the needs of local employers. Business leaders across the region are increasingly focused on workforce readiness, and the event is designed to strengthen collaboration between education and industry.
The program will include presentations from participating institutions, networking opportunities and a Workforce & Education Expo. Organizers say the goal is to create a more public and productive conversation around the connection between classrooms, career pathways and the region’s future workforce.
That conversation comes at an important time for the valley. Local school districts, College of the Desert and community partners have expanded career pathways, dual-enrollment programs, college-readiness efforts and workforce training initiatives in recent years. The forum offers a chance to bring those efforts into one room and connect them more directly to the business community.
The chamber’s role in hosting the event also reflects a broader view of economic leadership. Rather than treating education and business as separate issues, the forum highlights how closely they are linked. A strong local economy depends not only on attracting investment, but on preparing students for meaningful careers and creating pathways for them to succeed in the communities where they live.
Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO Brandon Marley
“Bringing this event together helps bridge the gap between education and workforce needs,” said Brandon Marley, CEO of the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. “By strengthening collaboration between schools and the business community, we can better align resources, create opportunities, and ensure students are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
For employers, the event offers an opportunity to better understand current education initiatives and find ways to support them through internships, mentorships and partnerships. For educators, it creates space to hear directly from the business community about workforce needs and emerging opportunities. For students and families, it sends a positive message that the region is investing in its future.
The inaugural State of Education Forum will include breakfast, networking and a Workforce & Education Expo during the registration hour, followed by presentations and a panel discussion. Sponsors include tribal, healthcare, higher education, civic, financial and media organizations, reflecting broad regional support for the effort.
The event will take place on Friday, May 1 at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage, with registration opening at 8:00 AM and the program beginning promptly at 9:00 AM. Attendees will enjoy breakfast, valuable networking opportunities, and access to a Workforce & Education Expo during the registration hour.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, click here.
