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A Pressing Need
There is no more pressing need in education today than reversing the cycle of failure and hopelessness among young people who are not succeeding in traditional high schools. With high school dropout rates approaching 50 percent in many inner city high schools (Nettles and Letger, 2001), the specter of a growing and permanent youth underclass is becoming discouragingly real. The standards-based education reform movement, while successful in raising the bar for many students, has not solved the educational puzzle when it comes to the most discouraged and alienated students.
One Promising Solution
Gateway to College, first developed at Portland Community College in Oregon, is one promising solution to put high school dropouts back on track. This program is being replicated nationally and is currently available in 12 states. (Click on Contact Us for more information.) Gateway to College provides dropouts with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma while achieving college success. Gateway to College students simultaneously accumulate high school credits and college credits leading to an associate's degree or certificate.
The Gateway to College model
Gateway to College serves at-risk youth, 16 to 20 years old, who have dropped out of school or have one foot out the door. The program promotes student success and readiness for an adult learning environment by grouping students into learning communities for their first term, offering intensive literacy development, maintaining rigorous academic standards, and providing individualized support.
After successfully completing the initial Foundation term, students transition to the comprehensive campus, taking classes with the general student population. Students focus their studies in a "pathway" or major that is aligned with high school completion requirements and college degree or certificate requirements. This allows students to maximize college credit acquisition toward their post secondary goals.
The program achieves success by combining high academic expectations with one-on-one advising and support. Resource specialists act as coaches, mentors and advisors. Students work with their resource specialist 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. All classes are college classes, and the program is fully integrated into the college setting. Gateway to College classes are offered both during the day and in the evening, providing much needed flexibility for working students or students with children.
Gateway to College National Network
Portland Community College, Southeast Center
Mt. Scott Hall, Room 106
2305 SE 82nd Ave.,
Portland, OR 97216
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