A real second chance
What is Gateway to College?
First, it’s college, and it might be right for you:
- if you are a dropout from Adams 12 Five Star Schools or Adams District 50
- if you are about to drop out
- if you are behind where you should be toward graduation
- if you are between ages 16 and 20
Yes, you will earn your high school diploma, but you will earn college credits, too. All your classes will be at the Westminster Campus of Front Range Community College. It’s college, not high school.
Second, it’s not for everyone. But if you’re ready for a second chance and willing to study along with others like you, our caring team of college instructors and student support specialists will help you succeed.
When does it start?
It starts like college does, with the semesters – August 2008, and then every January, May, and August after that.
What’s in it for me?
A college education means you’ll make more money and have more options for the rest of your life. Statistics show that salaries rise with education levels.
How much does it cost?
You pay minimal college fees for things like your college ID and student activities. Your school district pays all the tuition and pays for your books – that’s a pretty nice scholarship.
How do I get in?
Attend an information session.
Fill out an application. There also will be an essay question and a personal interview. Don’t let this stop you. This is your chance to go to college.
Have your high school transcript sent to us. Have we mentioned this is college? It’s your responsibility to contact your high school and arrange this.
If I’m accepted, then what?
You will start working right away with a student resource specialist. You will be assigned teachers, mentors, and counselors – no slipping through cracks allowed. We will pay attention to you.
Your first college semester will include a College Skills and Survival class along with the reading, writing, and mathematics classes you need. In your second college semester, you’re a college student, taking college classes for dual college/high school credit. Selection of classes depends on what you need. We’ll work with you on that. You also will take a Career Development and Exploration class.
And it goes on from there. You can earn certificates and an associate degree in career/technical fields, or you can earn an associate degree that transfers to a four-year college or university.
Your typical college day will be 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 to 4:30 p.m. – plus studying, of course. So you can have a job and be a college student, but it’s recommended to limit your job to 25 hours per week. If you think you need to work more, let’s talk about it.
OK, what’s the fine print?
Gateway to College is based on a successful national model that was started at Portland Community College in Oregon.
Portland Community College and the Gateway to College program are part of a $120-million-plus initiative to expand options for high school students being left behind in the traditional system. Funding for the Early College High School Initiative comes from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation along with Carnegie Corporation of New York, The Ford Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
FRCC is the first college in Colorado to be awarded the program.