More Program Information

About Gateway to College

“This program has opened so many doors for me. I'm finally excited for what the future holds.”
-FRCC Gateway to College Student 

In 2008, Front Range Community College received a $325,000 grant to become a replication site for Gateway to College, a national dropout recovery model developed by Portland Community College in Oregon. The FRCC Gateway to College program now partners with the following school districts:

• Adams 12
• Mapleton Public Schools
• Brighton 27J
• Jeffco Public Schools
• Westminster Public Schools
• Stargate School
• Academy of Charter Schools

Together with our partners, FRCC provides classes, support and services for around 150 students per year. The program covers tuition and books for up to 14 credits each semester, while students pay their student fees. Students must meet all program requirements to continue participating in the program.

A second chance for students 

Gateway to College serves youths (age 16 to 20 years old) who have dropped out of school or are at risk of dropping out. Students earn high school diplomas while also earning college credits, allowing them to progress toward certificates or associate degrees or earn transfer credits. Gateway to College students learn how to succeed in an educational setting under the guidance of a caring team of instructors and resource specialists who have experience with at-risk youth.

Setting the foundation

In their first term, Gateway to College students take foundational courses as part of a learning community. This experience builds their academic and personal skills, preparing them for college courses with the general student population.

During the foundation term, students take reading, writing and math. They also take a college survival and success class in which they learn how to take effective notes; study for tests; and juggle school, work and family life. Later in the semester, students focus on career development to help them focus their academic goals and select a college major. They also begin taking classes on FRCC's Westminster campus.

Acting locally on a national problem

According to the American Youth Policy Forum: 

• If dropouts would stay one more year in high school, the United States would save $41.8 billion in future health care costs. 
• If one-third of dropouts would earn their diplomas, the United States would save $10.8 billion in annual Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).

In the 2014-2015 school year, more than 11,000 students dropped out of school in Colorado. Almost 700 of those were in Adams County. 

Changing lives

Thanks to Gateway to College, students who previously were unlikely to graduate from high school are now earning their diplomas and succeeding in college. They are pursuing college degrees and challenging careers, and are reinventing themselves for a better future.

Gateway to College at FRCC

Learn about our program.