President's Update
January 2026
Message from Superintendent/President
Dr. Henry D. Shannon
Dear Chaffey College Community,
We have many points of pride worth highlighting at Chaffey College, and one has to do with our Dual Enrollment program. In just the last year, it has grown 13 percent in course enrollments and 11 percent in headcount. This is a testament to the quality of our instruction and our ability to meet the needs of the region. It is no secret that expanding access to higher education is central to our mission at Chaffey College. This is true for many reasons, but especially in a climate where students and families must consider a wide range of postsecondary options and the long-term cost of earning a degree. One of the most effective ways we advance that mission is through Dual Enrollment, which allows high school students to begin their college journey early, earn transferable college credit, and build momentum toward graduation while remaining connected to their local schools and communities — all for FREE.
Through Dual Enrollment, Chaffey has effectively partnered closely with local school districts over the years to provide students with the opportunity to take tuition-free college courses taught by Chaffey faculty while still enrolled in high school. These partnerships reflect our responsibility as a regional institution to reduce barriers to higher education and help families make informed decisions about the future.
By helping students explore academic and career pathways sooner, Dual Enrollment supports workforce readiness, strengthens local talent pipelines, and contributes to the region’s economic vitality. At the same time, earning college credit while in high school can significantly reduce the overall cost of a degree, easing the financial burden on students and families and increasing the likelihood that students will persist through completion.
The impact of this work is both meaningful and measurable. In the 2022–2023 academic year, Chaffey College served more than 4,300 dual enrollment students across multiple partner districts. Since fall 2021, participation in Dual Enrollment has contributed to students earning more than 150 college degrees and certificates while still in high school. Importantly, Dual Enrollment students consistently achieve course success rates that are 8.6 to 14.5 percent higher than the general Chaffey College student population, highlighting the effectiveness of early college exposure, intentional academic support, and strong collaboration between K–12 education and higher education.
Our district partners consistently emphasize the importance of this work. As Dr. Lynn J. Carmen Day, Superintendent of Upland Unified School District, shared, “Dual Enrollment has made a real difference for our students and families. Through the Dr. Loren Sanchez U’College Academy and our partnership with Chaffey College, Upland Unified students are earning college credit and gaining early exposure to college-level coursework. It shows what is possible when school districts and community colleges work together to open doors for students.”
Similarly, Miki R. Inbody, Superintendent of Fontana Unified School District, noted, “Our partnership with Chaffey College gives our students a head start by earning college credit early during high school, and also in meeting the expectations of college-level course. Dual enrollment expands options and helps students make informed choices about their pathway after graduation.”
As we look ahead, Chaffey remains committed to expanding Dual Enrollment opportunities, strengthening alignment with district and workforce needs, and ensuring students receive the academic and counseling support necessary to thrive. This same commitment is reflected in Chaffey’s strong enrollment, which supports workforce development and contributes to positive economic outcomes across our region. Next week, I look forward to sharing more about what enrollment growth means for local employers, students, and the broader economy.
Sincerely,
Henry D. Shannon, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President
Featured Story
Chaffey Celebrates Life of Associate Superintendent Troy Ament
With a walkie talkie in hand and a smile on his face, Troy Ament often told people he was “living the dream” during the 13 years he served Chaffey College. The associate superintendent of administrative services and emergency operations died Jan. 11. Read full story.
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