About Us

Learn more About Palo Verde College

Palo Verde College was established on September 15, 1947, six miles northwest of Blythe, California, on the former site of the Morton Air Academy. Initially, it operated as a junior college within the Palo Verde Unified School District and began with just seventeen students. By 1950, enrollment had grown to 250.

In September 1958, the College moved into a charming Spanish-style building on East Hobsonway. Originally built in 1918 to house Palo Verde High School, the building later served as Hobsonway Elementary School before becoming the home of Palo Verde College. During this era, athletics rose to prominence - the Pirates secured three conference championships in both football and baseball. By 1966, the student body had increased to 472.

The College relocated to its Chanslor Way campus in September 1967, marking a new chapter of growth. On July 1, 1973, it officially separated from the Unified School District, becoming an independent entity. Instructional programs expanded to include vocational/technical, developmental, and continuing education courses. Around this time, the college acquired 200 acres near its original location to establish what would become its permanent campus.

In 1999, the Palo Verde Community College District expanded its service area to include the eastern end of San Bernardino County and the City of Needles. The Needles Educational Center, which was originally located on the Needles High School campus, launched its first classes in the Spring 2000 semester. This expansion led to an increase in the Board of Trustees from five to seven members, with two seats designated for Needles.

Spring 2001 saw the introduction of correspondence education courses, designed primarily for incarcerated persons at Ironwood State Prison and other students unable to attend in-person classes in Blythe or Needles. These offerings supported distance learning in fields such as Administration of Justice, Criminal Justice, and Fire Science Technology, in collaboration with the Industrial Emergency Council and Riverside County Fire Department.

In August 2001, the College opened the doors of its new Blythe campus. By Spring 2003, enrollment surpassed 2,000 students and has continued to grow. The Needles Educational Center was relocated in 2009 to the newly remodeled Claypool Building on Broadway.

The Palo Verde College Fine and Performing Arts Center opened its doors in 2012, giving Blythe its first state-of-the-art Theatre. The theatre seats 384 people and has leading-edge sound and lighting equipment. As it is the only theatre within 100 miles, it is home to scholarship awards ceremonies; local choral and band performances; theatrical productions, the Miss Blythe and Miss Blythe Outstanding Teen Program; local dance recitals and acts as a movie theatre during the winter season. In 2017, The Fine and Performing Arts Center was named in memory of long-time resident, and Foundation and College Board member, Francis "Ted" Arneson.

The Palo Verde College Child Development Center, a licensed facility with the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division since 1975, was established to meet the needs of increasing numbers of working parents and parents enrolled in a vocational training program leading directly to a recognized trade, or profession and/or for parents that are seeking employment, seeking permanent housing for family stability and/or parents with justifiable incapacity. The program provides preschool level education and reliable quality care services to parents who could not otherwise seek and maintain employment and/or education due to parenting responsibilities. The program served up to 40 children year-round in its previous location at 557 North Lovekin Boulevard in Blythe California.

On October 31st, 2024, the Child Development Center Program moved into a newly constructed facility located at 141 South 2nd Street. The new facility was constructed with two additional classrooms, a multi-purpose room and an industrial-style kitchen to support the enrollment of 80 children in the community.

Today, Palo Verde College serves a diverse student population preparing for transfer to four-year institutions, entering the workforce, upgrading job skills, or pursuing personal enrichment. With classes held at both the main Blythe campus and the Needles Educational Center, the College continues to be a vital educational resource in the region.

Palo Verde College takes great pride in the accomplishments of its faculty and graduates. The institution remains committed to excellence in teaching and learning, with faculty members selected for their expertise, passion, and dedication to student success.