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Applying to Mars College

Applications for 2025 open through December 31st

Mars College is a three month program during which we build a temporary campus on a 20-acre stretch of open desert in Southern California called Mars. During this time, we study and incubate projects related to technology and sustainability, and gradually turn camp into a large art installation. This is our sixth year of operation.

2025 Academic Calendar

Applications open: September 24th, 2024

Applications close: December 31st, 2024

Applicants will be admitted on a rolling basis.

Build weeks: Monday, December 30th, 2024 through Sunday, January 12th, 2025.​

Semester starts: Monday, Jan 13th, 2025

Semester ends: Sunday, April 13th, 2025
 

Before Applying

Before applying to Mars College please familiarize yourself with our programs, camps, and campus. Mars is a unique educational community that demands a high level of patience and self-reliance. There are many aspects of the operation that are very different from traditional educational institutions.​​

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Mars requires a three month commitment. Please make sure you are available for the entire three month period from January 13th through April 13th, 2025. In some situations there is flexibility for participants to leave for short periods as required to meet work, family, visa, or personal obligations.

Applying to Mars

Mars is organized into camps that are oriented around programs, themes, and ways of living. Camps offer educational programs, most of which are open to all members of the community.

When applying to Mars, you need to apply to an existing camp or propose the creation of a new camp. If you don't know what camp to apply to, would like to solo camp, or create a new camp you can schedule a call with an advisor.

Apply to join a camp

Mars Research - The Creative AI Camp

- Accepting new applicants & alumni (8-12)

- Offers housing options

- Offers artist & research residencies

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Tool Camp / Institute for Insurrectionary Ecology

- Accepting new applicants & alumni (8-12)
- Bring your own tent/vehicle/RV for sleeping

- Offers artist & research resedencies

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Mars Bodywork Residency

- Accepting new applicants & alumni (8-12)

- Bring your own tent/vehicle/RV for sleeping

- Bodywork certification upon completion

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Natural Intelligence (NI)

- Accepting new applicants & alumni (4-8)

- Bring your own tent/vehicle/RV for sleeping

- Offers artist & research resedencies

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🌻 Sunflower Lab

- Accepting new applicants & alumni (3-7)

- Offers housing options

- Located in Bombay Beach

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Freeside

- Freeside applications are closed for 2025

- Offers housing options

- Open format / program-free

Camp Hug

- Accepting new applicants & alumni

- Offers housing options

- Holistic living retreat

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