Once you have been admitted, you will be enrolled in a Gateway to College learning community at Eastfield College.

• A learning community is a group of 20-25 students who take all of their first term courses together in preparation for becoming college students on the college campus.
• Learning community first term courses are reading, writing, math, college survival and success, and academic lab.
• Students will earn both high school and college credits starting in their first term.
• Students spend 3-4 hours outside of class working on homework.

After successfully completing the learning community first term, students transition onto the Comprehensive Campus.

• Students enroll in Eastfield College courses and continue to earn both high school and college credit, as they work towards earning a high school diploma.
• All courses after the learning community first term are selected with the assistance of a Resource Specialist based upon each student's high school completion plan and educational goals.

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Students can earn their high school diploma and earn Eastfield College credit toward a certificate or a degree.

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Most students are in Gateway to College for 2-3 years.  The exact length of time to earn a diploma varies by a student’s course load and credit needs.  Students remain in Gateway to College until they earn a diploma or turn 24.  We encourage graduates of the program to continue their college studies to meet their academic goals.

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Gateway to College is for students who are:

• 16 to 24 years old.
• Students who live in one of the following school districts: Garland or Mesquite
• A diverse group of young people facing many challenges.
• Reading at an eighth grade level or higher (English proficiency).
• Able to complete their high school diploma by age 24.
• Willing to make a long term commitment (two or more years) to work hard to complete high school and progress toward a college degree.

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• Students are expected to attend 100% of their classes.
• Students are expected to come to class on time, be prepared with class materials, and to complete all class and homework assignments.
• Students are expected to spend 3-4 hours a day working on their homework (outside of class time).  We strongly encourage students who have a job to consider the time demands of the program.
• Students are expected to adhere to all Eastfield College policies and procedures.

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Gateway to College is a scholarship program.  The scholarship pays for college tuition and books.

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Students who are accepted into the program are assigned a Resource Specialist. Resource Specialists provide support and access to resources to help all students in the program to be successful. Resource Specialists provide the following services:

• Transcript reviews and academic advising.
• Assistance with completing enrollment and registration.
• Referrals to resources, such as tutoring, counseling, student activities, health services, and more.
• Personal counseling and guidance including assistance with problem solving, time management and stress management.

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Applicants who have received Special Education Services and who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) in place are required to participate in an IEP meeting in the school district where you currently live.  This meeting will involve a manager from the Eastfield College Gateway to College program and will help determine if Eastfield College is an appropriate placement for you.  We cannot guarantee that this process can be completed in time for acceptance for the term for which you are applying.

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Yes. If you are currently attending high school, please consider staying in school until you know that you have been accepted into the Gateway to College program.

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Please review the Application Packet page to learn how to become a student at Gateway to College.

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