Gateway to College National Network’s alternative education program creates opportunities for young people who have dropped out of high school, or are at great risk of dropping out, to earn simultaneously a diploma and college credits.
Nearly all classes in this dual-credit education program are conducted on community college campuses, where students start with foundational courses to develop reading, writing and math skills. Participants then progress to regular college classes and continue working toward high school diplomas and associate’s degrees. During the program, resource specialists serve as advisers and mentors to participants.
The Gateway to College National Network (GtCNN) provides local implementing sites with training, professional development, and technical assistance—from planning through start-up and continuing as long as the program remains in the network.
OUR INVESTMENT
EMCF invested $4,750,000 in Gateway to College National Network from 2011, when it became a Social Innovation Fund/True North Fund grantee, through 2015.
This investment helped GtCNN expand from 31 to 42 sites, grow from serving 3,200 to 4,626 youth, and complete an implementation study of three sites which found that they implemented the model as designed, with some local variations. A case study, Growing Stronger through Learning, describes how GtCNN used findings from the study to improve its program.
EMCF's investment also supported business planning that guided Gateway’s growth in California, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, and expansion into Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi and Minnesota.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Learn more about Gateway to College National Network at gatewaytocollege.org.