Gateway to College
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It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that Mount Wachusett Community College launched the Gateway to College dropout recovery program. This program is helping to serve the state of Massachusetts in its endeavor to provide alternatives and options to those who have dropped out of high school. This initiative is supported by means of a $300,000 planning and startup grant provided by Portland Community College, with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and their partners, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Ford Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. It is additionally supported by K-12 Chapter 70 (School Choice) money.
On September 6, 2006, the Gateway to College Program began by servicing 42 former high school dropouts (or students who were on the verge of dropping out) on the campus of Mount Wachusett Community College, with the goal of expanding service to a total of 300 students by the Fall semester of 2008. Through this pathway, an underserved population is receiving a real second chance to achieve educational success by simultaneously working on the completion of a high school diploma while earning college credits toward a college certificate or an Associates degree. Selected students are earning both high school and college credits by taking courses in a small college classroom setting. Classes are taught by dedicated, experienced teachers in conjunction with resource specialists who are providing study skills, career research assistance, and ongoing student support throughout the learning process. In order to help with the transition back to education, all students complete their first semester in a small learning community of approximately 20-25 students. They take classes in reading, writing, mathematics, and college survival. Classes must be passed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. All students take part in an academic lab each week as well. After successful completion of the first semester Gateway to College students enroll in college courses with the general college population. Resource specialists continue to support students throughout the process, and help them to select a pathway or college major geared to each student’s plan for future employment.
Current or former Massachusetts high school students between the ages of 16 and 20, who have dropped out or who are on the verge of dropping out of high school due to social, emotional, or financial challenges; difficult family circumstances; language barriers; lack of academic support/study skills; or other reason, may apply for a slot in the Gateway to College Program at Mount Wachusett Community College. Accepted students must commit to regular attendance, completion of homework, and proper college behavior. There are no income requirements. The first step to take in applying for the Gateway to College Program is to obtain an Application packet and to register for an Information Session. Registration packets and Information Session schedules and deadlines can be downloaded from the MWCC website (www.mwcc.edu), or by leaving contact information on the Gateway to College Information Line at 978-630-9450. Out of school youth, who are motivated by the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and college credits in a supportive learning environment, may gain further information by contacting Deb Bibeau, Gateway to College Program Director, at 978-630-9249. We invite all those interested in applying for this wonderful scholarship program to join the Mount Wachusett Community College Gateway Staff as we travel side-by-side on the road to success!
Dear Prospective Gateway to College applicant
Dear Prospective Gateway to College applicant(Spanish)
Answers to frequently asked questions
Answers to frequently asked questions(Spanish)
Application Materials - Gateway to College
Application Materials - Gateway to College(Spanish)
©2007 Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green Street, Gardner,
MA 01440 (978) 632-6600