Gateway to College is a high school dropout recovery program

Our Mission: Gateway to College empowers youth who have dropped out of high school or are not on track to graduate to earn a diploma and dual credit in a supportive college environment.

Every year, an estimated 1.3 million students drop out of high school. Without a diploma, these youth face a future of low wages and limited opportunites for post-secondary education and advancement. Gateway to college offers a second chance for these students to succeed academically and prepare for a brighter future.

Origins and Evolution of Gateway to College

Portland Community College created the Gateway to College program in 2000 to help reconnect high school dropouts with their education. Through the program, students complete their high school diploma requirements at community and technical colleges while simultaneously earning college credits toward an associate’s degree or certificate. Young people who had little chance of graduating from high school are achieving post-secondary success.

Gateway to College’s innovative approach captured the attention of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which initially funded the replication of Gateway to College as part of its Early College High School Initiative. Since 2003, Gateway to College has evolved from a single-site program into a national network of 37 colleges in 21 states partnering with over 175 school districts.

January 30, 2012: "Giving dropouts reasons to return: editorial," Cleveland Plain Dealer more information >>

January 25, 2012: "Gateway To College Provides Second Chance," WOWT NBC 6 more information >>

January 10, 2012: "A Second Chance For High School Drop Outs," KPTM Fox 42 more information >>

2012 Peer Learning Conference
Dates: July 23-25, 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Details: more information >>