Copper Mountain Community College

Joshua Tree, CA

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Quick Facts

1,090

Total Students

$1K

Tuition (In-State)

$11K

Tuition (Out-State)

$8K

Avg Net Price

Associate's Colleges

Classification

President: Daren Otten

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Copper Mountain Community College

Empowering desert communities & military families with quality education since 1966.

Copper Mountain Community College (CMCC) stands as a beacon of educational opportunity, deeply woven into the fabric of California's high desert communities and serving the families stationed at the 29 Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. What began as a dedicated endeavor to bring higher education closer to home has blossomed into an independently accredited institution, committed to fostering growth and preparing students for their futures.

CMCC's journey is a testament to community vision and perseverance. Originally established in 1966 as an offshoot of the College of the Desert, its very first courses were held within the classrooms of 29 Palms High School in the fall of 1967. The dream of a dedicated campus took shape in 1981 with fundraising efforts, culminating in the completion of its first phase in 1984. This physical foundation paved the way for greater independence.

A significant turning point arrived when State Senator James Brulte championed legislation for Copper Mountain to achieve community college district status. The overwhelming support from Morongo Basin residents, demonstrated by a remarkable 90 percent vote in November 1999, solidified the college's independent future. This commitment bore fruit in June 2001, when the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges proudly granted CMCC full accreditation status, marking its official recognition as a comprehensive and independent educational institution. It continues to provide vital educational pathways tailored to its unique community.

Key Highlights

✦Established in 1966 to provide education opportunities for surrounding desert communities and families at the 29 Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center.
✦Began offering its first courses in Fall 1967 at the 29 Palms High School campus.
✦Completed the first phase of its stand-alone campus in 1984, after fundraising began in 1981.
✦Achieved significant community backing with 90% of Morongo Basin residents endorsing its new college status in 1999.
✦Granted full accreditation status in June 2001 by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Timeline

1966

Founded as an offshoot of the College of the Desert

1967

Held first courses in classrooms at 29 Palms High School

1981

Fundraising began for the construction of a stand-alone campus

1984

First phase of the stand-alone campus completed

1985

Edward J. Megarr chosen to serve as president

1999

Morongo Basin residents endorsed new college status with a 90% vote

2001

Granted full accreditation status

Leadership

Daren Otten

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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