Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gateway to College? The Gateway to College program is a unique alternative education opportunity. Students earn a high school diploma with the added benefit of receiving college credits toward an Associate’s degree or certificate. 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 and offering intensive literacy development while maintaining rigorous academic standards and providing individualized support. Students work with Program Coordinators on issues ranging from transportation and study habits to pathway selection and applying for scholarships. Because the program is offered on a college campus, students feel that they are treated as adults, and respond well to the academic and behavioral expectations of the college environment. Gateway to College students 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.
How does the Gateway to College program work?
Once you have been admitted to the Gateway to College Program, you will be enrolled in a small learning community at Massasoit Community College on the Brockton campus.
- A learning community is comprised of 12-17 GtC students, all of whom take their classes together.
- First semester Foundation courses include developmental reading, developmental writing, and developmental math, as well as college survival and success, and an academic lab.
- Students can expect to receive homework in each subject area on a daily basis.
After successfully completing the first semester Foundation courses, students will transition to the traditional college curriculum.
- Students enroll in Massasoit Community College courses and earn both high school and college credits, while working toward a high school diploma and an Associate degree or certificate.
What can I expect to achieve by enrolling in the Gateway to College Program?
Students are given the opportunity to earn their high school diploma and Massasoit Community College credit toward an Associates degree or certificate.
The program is not a fast track program for students wanting to graduate, nor is it a program for students who are excelling in school. A Gateway to College student is one who needs a year or more of high school credits to graduate. Gateway to College is designed to give a second chance to those students who are off track and in jeopardy of graduating on time as well as those students who have dropped out of high school.
How long will it take to earn my high school diploma?
Most students will be enrolled in the Gateway to College Program for a minimum of 2 years. The length of time it will take to earn a diploma will vary according to the student’s entrance exam results and course load. Students who graduate from the Gateway to College Program are encouraged to continue their college studies until they reach their educational goals.
What are the typical characteristics of a Gateway to College student?
Gateway to College works exclusively with students who have not experienced success in a traditional high school. They are significantly behind in credits and are unable to graduate with their peers.
Gateway to College is for students who:
- Are 16-20 years of age
- Are behind in high school credits (for age and grade), with a history of absenteeism/low GPA
- Have less than senior standing or behind in credits when they apply for admission to the program
- Currently reside in a participating school district (proof of residency is required)
- Are from diverse backgrounds, where they face many challenges
- Have a reading level at an eighth grade level or higher
- Are able to complete their high school diploma by age 22
- Are willing to make a long term commitment, (two or more years) maintain 100% attendance in all classes and complete all school work required for a high school diploma.
What is expected of Gateway to College students?
Students are expected:
- To attend 100% of their classes
- To come to class on time, to bring materials, and to complete all class work and homework assignments
- To spend 3-4 hours each day on homework outside of class time
- To earn a minimum of a ‘C-’ average in each class taken
- To adhere to all Massasoit Community College and Gateway to College policies and procedures
What is the cost of the Gateway to College Program?
Gateway to College is a scholarship program. The scholarship pays for college tuition and books. Gateway students are expected to pay a $57.00 enrollment fee for each semester in which the student is enrolled. In addition, students are required to have health insurance and must provide verification in order to avoid additional costs.
What kind of support will help me to be successful in the college setting?
Program Coordinators provide support and access to resources which are helpful to students. Students also have access to MCAS support and free tutoring services provided by Massasoit Community College. Gateway to College provides the following services:
- Transcript reviews and academic advising
- Assistance with completion of enrollment and registration materials.
- Referrals to resources such as tutoring, counseling, student activities, health services, and more
- Personal counseling and guidance including assistance with problem solving, time management, and stress management
How do I apply for the Gateway to College Program?
Students may contact the Massasoit Gateway to College at (508) 588-9100 ext. 1688 to obtain a preliminary application or visit the website at: http://gateway.massasoit.mass.edu.
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