Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to apply for the program?
How do I apply for the program?
How does the Gateway to College program work?
What can I achieve in the program?
How long will it take me to earn my high school diploma?
How much does the program cost?
What kind of support will help me be successful in a college setting?
Am I eligible to apply for the program?
To participate in the Gateway to College program, you must be:
- 16 to 20 years old
- Out of school or on the verge of dropping out
- Behind in high school credits (for age and grade), with a history of absenteeism and low GPA
- Living in a partnering school district
- Reading at an eighth grade level or higher (English proficiency)
- Able to complete your high school diploma requirements by age 21
- Willing to make a long-term commitment to work hard to complete high school and progress toward a college degree
How do I apply for the program?
Click here to find out if there's a program in your community, and to get information on how to apply.
How does the Gateway to College program work?
Once you have been admitted, you will be enrolled in a Gateway to College learning community on the college campus.
- A learning community is a group of 20-25 students who take all of their first term courses together in preparation for becoming college students on the college campus
- Learning community first term courses are reading, writing, math, college survival and success, and academic lab
- Students earn both high school and college credits starting in their first term
- Students spend 3-4 hours per day outside of class working on homework
After successfully completing the learning community first term, students transition onto the comprehensive campus.
- Students enroll in college courses and continue to earn both high school and college credit, as they work toward earning a high school diploma
- All courses after the learning community first term are selected with the assistance of a Resource Specialist based upon each student's high school completion plan and educational goals
What can I achieve in the program?
You can earn your high school diploma and college credit toward a certificate or a degree. Some students complete an associate's degree during their enrollment in the program. On average, graduates have about two-thirds of the college credits they need for a two-year degree.
How long will it take me to earn my high school diploma?
Most students are in Gateway to College for 2-3 years. 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 diploma or turn 21. Graduates of the program are encouraged to continue their college studies to meet their academic goals
Gateway to College does not serve students who are doing well in high school and want to make an early transition to college. Gateway to College works exclusively with students who have not experienced success in a traditional high school.
They are either no longer attending or are significantly behind in credits and are unable to graduate with their peers.
How much does the program cost?
Gateway to College is a scholarship program. The scholarship pays for college tuition and books. Gateway students are expected to pay all fees associated with their course work and college participation. Typically, students are expected to pay an application fee (after being accepted into the Gateway program), as well as student fees that are about $30-90 each term.
What kind of support will help me be successful in a college setting?
Students who are accepted into the program are assigned a Resource Specialist. Resource Specialists provide support and access to resources to help students be successful. Resource Specialists provide the following services:
- Transcript reviews and academic advising
- Assistance with completing enrollment and registration
- Referrals to resources, such as tutoring, counseling, student activities, health services, and more
- Personal guidance including assistance with problem solving, time management and stress management
