About the Program
The Gateway to College Model
Gateway to College serves at-risk youth 16 to 20 years old, who have dropped out or are on the verge of dropping out of high school. The program promotes student success and readiness for an adult learning environment by grouping students into learning communities for their first semester, offering intensive literacy development, maintaining rigorous academic standards, and providing individualized support. Students work with Resource Specialists on issues ranging from transportation and study habits to pathway selection and applying for scholarships. The wrap-around support of the Resource Specialist keeps students on the right track for success. Because the program is offered on a college campus, students feel that they are treated as adults, and respond well to the academic and behavior expectations of the college environment. Gateway to College courses are offered in the afternoon, thus providing much needed flexibility for working students or students with children.
How is Gateway to College Funded?
In order to promote the Gateway to College model, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and its funding partners, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, The Ford Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation granted Portland Community College in Portland, OR $13 million over seven years to replicate the program. Massasoit Community College, among other community colleges nationwide, has been selected to replicate the Gateway to College program. MCC has contracts with Brockton and Boston Public School districts to provide Gateway to College to students who have dropped out of high school. The program uses K-12 education funds to pay for college tuition, fees and books, since students are completing high school at the same time they are earning college credits.
Who are our students?
Gateway to College serves students 16 to 20 years old who have dropped out of school or have one foot out the door. They are a diverse group of young people facing many challenges. Our students are young people who feel they did not fit well in a traditional high school setting. Many of our students work part time and live on their own.
How long are students in the program?
The exact length of time to earn a diploma varies by a student's course load and credit needs. Students remain in Gateway to College until they earn a high school diploma or turn 22 years old.
How can a student get into the program? The first step to take in applying for the Gateway to College Program is to complete a preliminary application. To obtain a preliminary application you may contact Gateway to College at: 508-588-9100 ext. 1688. We look forward to hearing from you!
We look forward to hearing from you! |
