Crafton Hills College (CHC) and California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) have formally launched the Coyotes on the Horizon partnership, designed to create seamless transfer pathways for Inland Empire students.

Kevin Horan, president of Crafton Hills College, and David Dufault-Hunter, vice president of CSUSB’s Strategic Enrollment Management and Marketing Division, signed a memorandum of understanding outlining the program during a ceremony at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa on April 17.

The new partnership focuses on streamlining the transition from CHC to CSUSB, increasing Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) completions and enhancing awareness of the Transfer Success Pathways (TSP) Program among community college students.

Horan remarked, “This agreement represents way more than signatures on paper. It symbolizes our opportunity, equity and a shared commitment to student success. It is going to become the single most affordable pathway to a bachelor’s degree in the Inland Empire.

“Through this collaboration, we are opening more doors for our students, doors to advanced degrees, new careers and lifelong learning,” he added. “We look forward to the impact that this agreement will have in the months and years ahead. Together, we are building stronger pathways and a stronger community within the Inland Empire.”

Dufault-Hunter discussed the significance of this agreement and the impact it will have in students' lives, sharing that “only 20 percent of community college students successfully transfer from a community college to a four-year university.

“This agreement is one step that we can take to remove those barriers that prevent students from pursuing not only a college degree but from the transformation that could happen for them, for their families, for the generations to come,” said Dufault-Hunter.

After the memorandum of understanding signing, Hiram and Dufault-Hunter celebrated the momentous occasion with the universities’ mascots, Crafton Hills College’s Ryker and CSUSB’s Cody.
After the memorandum of understanding signing, Horan and Dufault-Hunter celebrated the momentous occasion with the universities’ mascots, Crafton Hills College’s Ryker and CSUSB’s Cody.

The key objectives of the partnership are:

  • Efficient Transitions: Ensure a seamless academic journey for CHC students transferring to CSUSB.
  • Increased ADT Completion: Drive efforts to boost the number of students completing their ADTs and continuing to CSUSB.
  • Enhanced Awareness: Expand outreach to inform students about the benefits of the TSP Program.

Highlights of the Crafton Hills-CSUSB partnership include:

  • Priority Admission: CHC students who complete an ADT and meet CSUSB application deadlines will receive priority admission.
  • Dedicated Support through Coyotes on the Horizon: This initiative will provide tailored resources and support, ensuring transfer students are prepared for success at CSUSB.
  • Streamlined Processes: Parchment integration will simplify transcript submissions, making administrative steps faster and more efficient.

Both CHC and CSUSB are committed to retaining and cultivating talent within the Inland Empire, a region poised for tremendous growth. This partnership underscores their shared vision of supporting students and families by strengthening transfer pathways and providing access to quality education.

Addressing Regional Needs

The Inland Empire, which includes Riverside and San Bernardino counties, is among the fastest-growing regions in California. With its diverse population and growing need for higher education access, this collaboration tackles critical barriers, offering clear, supportive pathways to academic and professional success.

A recent Growing Inland Achievement study revealed that 86% of Inland Empire residents recognize the value of higher education. However, gaps in information and resources persist. The Coyotes on the Horizon partnership directly addresses these challenges, offering students and families the tools to navigate their academic journeys confidently.

About Crafton Hills College

Crafton Hills College is dedicated to empowering students through innovative education and fostering opportunities for personal and professional growth.

About California State University, San Bernardino

CSUSB is a preeminent institution committed to academic excellence and community engagement, preparing students to succeed in a diverse and ever-changing world.

For more information about the partnership, please contact Michelle Riggs, director of Institutional Advancement at Crafton Hills College, at (909) 389-3391.