Gateway to College

Info Line: 503-788-6225 | Outreach and Intake Specialist: Jana Daugherty | 503-788-6213

Your Connection to College

Gateway class

Do you want to go to college, but aren’t sure how to get there? The Gateway to College program helps students who have dropped out of high school or who may not graduate. Through our program, you can obtain your high school diploma and earn college credits at the same time. Many of our graduates go on to finish AA degrees and transfer to four year colleges.

The Right Fit

To qualify for the Gateway to College program, you must:

  • be between 16 to 20 years old
  • have left high school before graduation or be at risk of dropping out (You cannot be enrolled in another high school program once you enter our program.)
  • be behind in high school credits for your age and grade, with fewer than 17 credits total
  • Minimum 8th grade reading level; meet other writing and math standards at entry level
  • live in a participating school district: Portland Public, David Douglas*, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard/Tualatin, Lake Oswego*, Centennial* or Sherwood

* Must meet with and gain approval from school district to qualify.

The Support You Need

Gateway to College contracts with your school district to offer you a scholarship to the program. You pay a one-time $25 application fee and other small student fees each term (usually $50 to $100). The scholarship covers the cost of tuition and books. 

In addition, you’ll have a Resource Specialist dedicated to your success. Your Resource Specialist will guide you through the college experience as an academic advisor; teach you about careers, organization and time management; and provide you with referrals to community resources.

Ready for the Challenge

Gateway class

To succeed in the program, you’ll need to be in class about 20 hours a week and do three to four hours of homework per day. You are expected to attend every class. Because the program requires a strong commitment, it’s best if you work fewer than 25 hours a week.

The program takes time – most of our students achieve their high school diploma in two to three years, but they often earn more than 70 college credits too!

Resource Specialists

Resource Specialists also teach "Counseling & Guidance," "Study Skills for College Learning," "Career Development".

True Change

Gateway to College can help you change your life. Students just like you are earning their diplomas, succeeding in college and pursuing exciting careers. You can choose a new path and create a bright future. 

Don't miss the article about former Gateway to College student, Leah Gibson, who was the 2005-06 PCC Graduation student speaker.

Let’s Get Started!

If you don’t think you meet the criteria or if you’re looking for a faster way to finish high school, call us about our other programs.