Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Gateway to College

Southeast MT 123 | Outreach and Intake Specialist: adam.clark3@pcc.edu | 971-722-6293

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Service update

Winter applications are open! Deadline to apply is December 21, 2023. 

Winter 2024 classes will begin Monday, January 8, 2024.

If you are interested in learning more about the program or applying for an upcoming term, we would love to speak with you! Submit an Interest Form today, and we will be in touch to help you explore further.

 

You can change your life

Who is eligible to apply for the Gateway to College Program?

Criteria 1 – Age: Gateway to College can enroll eligible students between the ages of 16
and 20 years old at entry.

Criteria 2 – School District: Gateway to College currently can only enroll students who
reside in the following school districts:

  • Portland Public Schools
  • Tigard-Tualatin School District*
  • West Linn-Wilsonville School District*
  • Lake Oswego School District*
  • Sherwood School District*

*requires school district approval

Criteria 3 – Need for Alternative Placement: Eligible students will have need for an alternative placement. There are many situations where a student may have the need for alternative placement, and we are happy to accommodate a wide variety of students. Typically, students who are not on track to graduate with their class and/or need a different school environment would be eligible.

If you are unsure if you are eligible please don’t hesitate to reach out and we are more than happy to help answer this question. If you have the need for alternative placement we are happy to help you explore your options.

Have Questions? Please contact Adam Clark for more information.

Gateway to College is a unique program that lets you get your high school diploma while you earn college credit.

Gateway to College contracts with your school district to offer you a scholarship to the program. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition and books.

Our program also pairs you with a College Success Coach dedicated to your success. Your College Success Coach is there to teach you about college, organization and time management, and connect you with community, career, and college resources.

Your connection to college

If you’re interested in going to college or preparing for a better career but have struggled with school in the past or have dropped out of high school, Gateway to College can help you get on the right track to achieve your goals.

Many of our graduates go on to finish AA degrees here at PCC and transfer to four-year colleges—and so can you.

How to succeed in this program

Three graduates smiling

To succeed in the program, you’ll need to regularly attend your classes, consistently complete coursework and homework, and stay in contact with your College Success Coach. Plan to be in class about 15-20 hours a week and to do two to three hours of homework per day. You are expected to attend each class session as the term moves quickly and there are fewer class sessions than in high school. 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 about two years, and they  earn a significant number of college credits too! Some students surely complete the program more quickly. Timeline to completion is based on credit standing and skill level at entry. Each applicant is given a individual transcript review and forecast with information about their personalized path through the program.

Let’s get started

What students are saying

"This program has opened so many doors for me. I’m finally excited for what the future holds."

"Gateway to College not only gave me the chance to further my education, but it helped my self-esteem and self-image."

Hear more students describe their Gateway to College experience »