Last Friday, Chancellor Barnes delivered the annual State of the District address at IVC’s Fine Arts Recital Hall. Dr. Barnes emphasized the district’s commitment to fostering innovation and equity, reaffirming our mission to provide educational opportunities for all as reflected in this year’s theme, Students Are the Heart of Our Mission. She also led a Q&A session with the college presidents, emphasizing the importance of partnerships, career education, and enhanced student support services.
During the session, I had the opportunity to highlight two key accomplishments from the past year. My first focused on IVC’s 40 Years of Community Impact (see the February 5 Laser Focus column). My second highlighted dual enrollment, an essential initiative that expands equity in access to higher education.
Extensive research confirms the benefits of dual enrollment for high school students, including:
- Cost Savings: Students earn college credits at no cost, reducing future tuition expenses.
- Accelerated College Completion: Early credit accumulation shortens the time needed to complete a degree.
- Smoother Transition to College: College-level coursework builds academic skills and confidence.
- Higher College Enrollment & Completion Rates: Dual enrollment students are more likely to enroll in and graduate from college.
- Improved Academic Performance: Studies show dual enrollment participants often outperform their peers in college.
- Increased Career Readiness: Many programs offer technical and career-focused courses that prepare students for the workforce.
IVC launched its dual enrollment journey in 2006 with the Early College program at Beckman High School. Since then, it has expanded significantly, particularly with the introduction of College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) statewide in 2016. Today, IVC maintains strong partnerships with three primary feeder high school districts, continuously expanding course offerings and career pathways.
In 2023-2024, dual enrollment realized remarkable growth in the following areas:
- Student enrollment grew by 21% (3,681 students).
- Sections offered increased by 38% (120 sections).
- Diversity is well-represented, with 31% of participants identifying as Asian and 27% as Latinx.
- Students are succeeding, with an overall course success rate of 81% (ranging by district-Tustin Unified students, for example, achieved a 91% success rate).
- 903 students completed 12+ units, demonstrating significant progress toward their academic goals and contributing to Governor’s Roadmap for California.
A key feature of IVC’s partnership with local districts is the development of K-14 career pathways, enabling students to earn Certificates of Achievement, Certificates of Proficiency, and/or Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T). We currently offer 13 pathways in fields such as biotechnology, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, digital media arts, model-making & prototyping, administration of justice, and teacher preparation. Additionally, we are collaborating with Irvine Unified School District to launch an Early College program in Fall 2025.
We have much to be proud of! Today, 1 in 10 students enrolled at IVC is a K-12 student participating in dual enrollment, an achievement that reflects years of dedication and collaboration. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to our faculty for their commitment to teaching dual enrollment courses, to Traci Fahimi for her years of leadership in pioneering these efforts, and to Vinh Nguyen for his continued work in expanding dual enrollment opportunities.
These efforts are transforming lives and shaping the future of higher education in our community.
Best,
John