# Mars College Department of Public Works (DPW)

> Mars College DPW is the crew that designs, builds, operates, and deconstructs off-grid physical infrastructure—solar power microgrids, water supply systems, waste management, shade structures, and shelter—in the California desert.

## Overview
Mars College is an off-grid pop-up college and learning community raised in the California desert every winter and taken down each spring. DPW handles all civic and physical systems.

## Key Program Details
- **Location**: California Desert (Bombay Beach / Salton Sea area)
- **Primary Focus**: Hands-on off-grid construction, solar engineering, water systems, waste operations, and seasonal village teardown.
- **Participation Perks**: DPW crew members receive free housing, waived Mars general fees, waived camp dues, and access to the DPW meal plan.

## The 4 Operational Phases
1. **Planning (Now – October)**: Sizing, designing, and ordering water, waste, and electrical components; organizing community services (food co-op, propane, recycling).
2. **Build (November & December)**: Heavy infrastructure construction. Assembling pallet-rack frames, setting up solar arrays, plumbing water supply tanks, setting up communal kitchens and shade structures.
3. **Mars College Semester (January – March)**: Ongoing maintenance of solar, electrical, and water systems; running water trailers, trash transport, recycling, and food co-op supply runs.
4. **Disengage / Strike (April into May)**: Complete deconstruction of solar and water systems, dismantling structures, cleaning and inventorying gear into storage, leaving the land pristine.

## Community Services & Concessions
DPW supports self-organized community services, including:
- Fresh water hauling and trailer filling
- Trash transport and dump management
- Propane tank refilling
- Food co-op and bulk groceries (Costco runs)
- Tool library and solar charging hub

## Links & Full Documentation
- **Full Operational Spec**: [llms-full.txt](https://dpw.mars.college/llms-full.txt)
- **Application Form**: [Apply for DPW](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4FasMEbiOuqNuJh5F3YXwwhXj4vHhtc-DzuNIcrItyyZsig/viewform?usp=publish-editor)
- **Main Website**: [Mars College](https://mars.college/)
- **Substack Deep Dive**: [Mars College Substack](https://marscollege.substack.com/)