High school students in the Coachella Valley have a unique opportunity to participate in Desert Town Hall’s Youth Town Hall on March 26, the final event of the 2026 season. Youth Town Hall allows students to attend for free, with dinner provided, and to interact with speakers in a smaller, peer-focused setting.
This year, the featured speakers include political commentator Ben Shapiro and media personality Van Jones, offering a diverse range of perspectives. Previous sessions have included cybersecurity expert Frank Abagnale and Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner, providing students with insight into topics from technology to health initiatives.
Youth participants are placed in their own discussion rooms with other teenagers from across the valley. Ambassadors, including program veterans like Amaya, facilitate the discussions, creating a welcoming environment for questions and dialogue. This setup allows students to engage thoughtfully with both their peers and speakers without the pressure of a traditional town hall setting.
Students interested in attending should contact their guidance counselor to reserve a spot. The event takes place at 5 p.m. at the Renaissance in Indian Wells. Organizers hope that this experience will encourage civic engagement, critical thinking, and meaningful discussion among the valley’s youth.
By: NBC Palm Springs
March 16, 2026
