Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-751-8010
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Who are Gateway to College students?
Gateway to College is for students who meet the following criteria:- 16 to 20 years old
- Not currently attending school and have been out of school for at least 6 months
- Reading ability at eighth grade level or higher (English proficiency)
- Able to complete their high school diploma by age 22
- A diverse group of young people facing many challenges
- Willing to make a long-term commitment (two or more years) to work hard to complete high school and progress toward a college degree or certificate
Gateway to College does not serve students who are doing well in high school and want to make an early transition to college. Gateway to College works exclusively with students who have not experienced success in a traditional high school and are currently not attending school.
2) How does the Gateway to College program work?
Once you have been admitted, you will begin your first term, called the Foundation term, with a group of 20 other Gateway to College students.
- This group of students, called a Learning Community, takes all of the Foundation term courses together in preparation for becoming college students on the College’s campus
- Foundation term courses include reading, writing, math, an academic lab and a college survival and success class
- Foundation term courses earn students high school credits toward their diploma. The college survival and success class earns students college credits
- Students spend three to four hours each day working on homework outside of class
- You enroll in Community College of Philadelphia courses and earn both high school and college credit as you work toward earning a high school diploma and a college degree
- All courses after the Foundation term are selected based upon your high school completion plan and educational goals. The Gateway academic coordinator provides guidance and assistance with this process
3) What can I achieve in this program?
Gateway students can earn their high school diploma and earn Community College of Philadelphia credits toward an associate’s degree or certificate.
4) How long would it take me to earn my high school diploma?
Students are in Gateway to College for one to three years. The exact length of time varies depending on your courseload and credit needs. You will remain in Gateway to College until you earn a high school diploma. We encourage and assist Gateway graduates in continuing their education when they have completed the program.5) What is expected of me?
- You are expected to attend all of your classes
- You are expected to come to class on time, be prepared with class materials and to complete all class and homework assignments
- You are expected to spend three to four hours a day on homework, outside of class time. We strongly encourage students who have a job to consider the time demands of the program
- You are expected to adhere to all Community College of Philadelphia policies and procedures
6) What is the cost of the program?
Gateway to College is a scholarship program. The scholarship pays for college tuition, fees and books. There is a $50 program fee per semester and summer session upon acceptance into the program.
7) What kind of support can I expect as a Gateway to College student?
An academic coordinator is assigned to students who are accepted into the program. Academic coordinators provide support and access to resources to help you succeed in the program. The coordinators also provide the following services:
- Transcript reviews and academic advising
- Assistance with completing enrollment and registration
- Referrals to resources, such as tutoring, student activities and health services
- Personal counseling and guidance, including assistance with problem solving, time management and stress management
