SunLine Transit Agency is inviting students across the Coachella Valley to participate in its 11th Annual Student Art Contest, offering a unique opportunity for young artists to see their work displayed on a hydrogen fuel cell bus.

The City of Palm Desert encourages local students to take part in this regional contest, which combines creativity with an important message about sustainability and clean transportation.

This year’s theme, “Moving People. Improving Lives. Protecting Our Planet,” highlights the role of public transit in supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future. The contest is open to all K–12 students in the Coachella Valley, including those in public, private, and home schools.

Students will compete in three grade categories: elementary school (grades K–5), middle school (grades 6–8), and high school (grades 9–12). Participants are asked to create original artwork that features buses and recognizable local landmarks, such as windmills, along with a message about how public transit benefits the environment.

Three first-place winners, one from each grade category, will have their artwork professionally wrapped on a SunLine zero-emission bus. Second- and third-place winners will have their designs displayed at local bus shelters throughout the valley.

All entries must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026. Submissions may be uploaded online, mailed, or delivered to SunLine Transit Agency in Thousand Palms. Finalists will be required to submit their original artwork for display consideration.

For full contest details, rules, and submission information, visit SunLine Transit Agency’s website.