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Student Eligibility
Gateway to College serves students who are out of school or on the verge of dropping out. It is not meant to be an alternative for students who are doing okay in high school, but may be bored, frustrated, or anxious for entry to college. Students who can finish high school more or less on time, with their peers, are counseled to stay in high school. Similarly, Gateway to College is not meant for students who only need to take a class or two to finish--there are other options for make-up classes. Equally important, Gateway to College is not a program for high-achieving students whose needs may not be met in a traditional setting. Most community colleges already offer options for high achieving students. The orientation and intake process helps Gateway to College staff ensure that only targeted students are admitted to the program. Once students are selected, they must be approved by their home school district for participation.
A second factor for determining eligibility is the student's probability of success in completing high school diploma requirements. Students who are approaching the upper age limit of 20, but have very few credits, cannot hope to take enough courses while in the program to meet earn a credential or high school diploma while in the Gateway to College program. These students are provided with other alternatives such as a GED program or other high school completion programs that do not have an age limit.
Gateway to College students are:
- Between 16 and 20 years old
- Out of school or on the verge of dropping out
- Behind in high school credits (for age and grade level)
- Have a grade point average of 2.0 or below
- Live in an eligible school district
- Have expressed the goal to complete their high school diploma
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Many Gateway to College students have been out of school for some time. Nearly 40% work, 7% live independently and 6% have children. The box below describes the Gateway to College student population at PCC over the past six years, serving over 1,000 young people.
| Gateway to College student population
over the past six years at Portland Community College |
| Average age | | 17.1 years old |
| Average high school GPA | | 1.6 |
| Average high school credits | | 7.9 (out of 22 required) |
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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