Rancho Cucamonga, CA — Chaffey College will award an estimated 6,400 degrees and certificates to more than 3,100 students, representing a 10.5 percent increase from the previous year. It is the largest number of degrees and certificates awarded in the college’s history.

The awards include more than 4,000 associate’s degrees. That is 5 percent more than what the class of 2019 earned the 2018-2019 academic year. And the estimated number of certificates to be awarded has jumped 20 percent from last year.

“The class of 2020 stands out in Chaffey College history for many reasons,” said Chaffey College Superintendent/President Henry Shannon. “More than 80 percent are from historically underrepresented groups and they finished strong despite facing the challenges of the coronavirus. We are proud of all of these students and wish them well as they enter the workforce or move on to more advanced study at four-year colleges and universities.”

The youngest student in the class of 2020 is 17 years old and the oldest is 78. More than 54 percent of students earned multiple degrees and certificates and 350 students are expected to earn four or more awards.

Chaffey’s commencement ceremony has been postponed in compliance with local, state and federal health recommendations due to Covid-19, but the college has planned a number of graduation events to celebrate the accomplishments of its students.

Chaffey College students will participate in a “Grad Fest” drive-thru event on May 20 at all three campuses, where they will be greeted by faculty and staff and receive a “grad bag” containing a graduation hat and tassel, as well as other commemorative items. Numerous graduations Zoom gatherings have also been planned.

The college will send degrees and certificates to students in late summer.