FAQs

Gateway to College works exclusively with students who have not experienced success in a traditional high school. If you are either no longer attending school or are significantly behind in credits and unable to graduate with your peers, Gateway to College may be for you.

If you are performing well in high school and want to make an early transition to college, visit our Under 17 Students or High School Programs sections.

Yes. If you are currently attending high school, please consider staying in school until you know that you have been accepted into the Gateway to College program.

• Once you have been accepted, we will work with you on how to withdraw from high school. 
• You cannot be dually enrolled in the Gateway to College program and a high school or alternative education program.

Gateway to College is a scholarship program that pays for college tuition and books.

• Gateway students must pay all student fees associated with their course work and college participation (about $250 per semester).
• Students eligible for free and reduced lunches do not pay student fees (documentation may be required).

Your typical college day will be 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Outside of class time, you’ll be required to spend at least 3-4 hours each day on studying and homework.

Most students are in Gateway to College for one to two 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, whichever comes first.

You will be enrolled in a Gateway to College learning community at the Westminster Campus of Front Range Community College.

• Your learning community is a group of 25 students with whom you’ll take all of your first term courses.
• The first term is called the “foundation term,” which consists of reading, writing, math, college survival and success, and academic lab courses.

At the same time FRCC semesters begin: August and January. See the academic calendar for details.

After successfully completing the foundation term with your learning community, you will transition into regular college classes and can earn both high school and college credit as you work toward your high school diploma.

Your resource specialist will help you select all courses to take after the foundation term. The classes you take will be based on each student’s high school completion plan and educational goals.

Students are expected to:

• Attend 100 percent of their classes.
• Come to class on time, be prepared with class materials, and complete all class and homework assignments.
• Spend 3-4 hours a day working on homework (outside of class time).
• Adhere to all Front Range Community College policies and procedures.

If accepted into the program, you’ll be assigned a resource specialist who will provide support and access to resources designed to help you be successful. Resource specialists provide the following services:

• Transcript reviews and academic advising.
• Assistance with enrollment and registration.
• Referrals to resources, such as tutoring, counseling, student activities, health services, and more.
• Personal counseling and guidance including assistance with problem solving, time management and stress management.

Applicants who have received special education services and who have an IEP are required to participate in an IEP meeting in the school district where you currently live. A Gateway to College staff member will attend this meeting to determine if FRCC is an appropriate placement for you.