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How does the Gateway to College program work?

• Once a student has been admitted, he or she will be enrolled in a Gateway to College learning community at Eastfield College.
• The learning community is a group of 20 to 25 students who take all of their first-term courses together in preparation for becoming a student on the college campus.
• The foundation courses include reading, writing, math, career development, college survival and success, and an academic lab.
• The learning community meets four days a week.
• Near the end of the first term, students will take a placement test to determine placement in English, reading, and mathematics.
• Students who successfully complete the first term will transition into the general college population.  They will take courses that will fulfill their remaining high school graduation requirements while also earning college credit.  During the second term, students will take an additional college preparation class with the learning community.
• After the first term, students will select all courses with the assistance of the resource specialist.  Students will select classes based on their high school completion plan and educational goals.
• Throughout the course of this program, students will be considered enrolled at both Eastfield College and their referring public school.

What can students achieve in this program?

Students can complete their high school diploma requirements while earning college credits.

Who are Gateway to College students at Eastfield College?

• Gateway to College is for students who are 16 to 20 years old.
• Gateway to College students are behind in high school credits (for their age and grade), they have earned no more than 17 high school credits and/or are lacking five credits for graduation, and they may have a history of absenteeism and low GPA
• They are a diverse group of young people facing many challenges.
• Gateway to College students are current or former Garland Independent School District (GISD) or Mesquite Independent School District (MISD) students who reside in those school districts.
• Students must have at least an eighth grade reading level (English proficiency) and other academic skills that would enable them to transition to college classes after the foundation Gateway experience.
• These students will remain in the program until they complete their high school diploma or until age 21, whichever comes first.
• Gateway students must be willing to make a commitment of two or more years, to work hard to complete their high school diploma, and progress towards a college degree or certificate.
  

What is expected of Gateway students?

• Students are expected to attend 100 percent of the classes.  For maximum benefit, students are expected to attend each semester consecutively until they earn their high school diploma or turn 21.
• 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 earn grades of “C” or better in all classes.
• Students are expected to be respectful and courteous to others and adhere to all Gateway to College and Eastfield College policies and procedures. Each student will receive a student handbook with more information about policies and expectations.
• Students are expected to maintain residency in Dallas County (Garland ISD/Mesquite ISD catchment areas).

How are students supported in being successful?

• Students who are accepted into the Gateway to College program are immediately assigned a resource specialist.  Resource specialists provide support and access to help all students in the program to be successful.  Resource specialists provide the following:
• Transcript and academic advising.
• Assistance with completing enrollment and registration paperwork for Eastfield College.
• Information and referral for resources through Gateway to College, Eastfield College, local school districts, and the community (i.e. tutoring, counseling, student activities, health services, etc.)
• Personal counseling and guidance, assistance with problem solving, time management, and stress management so students can stay in school and be successful.

What is the cost of the program?

Gateway to College is a scholarship program.  College tuition and books are provided free of charge.

How is the program funded?

The Gateway to College program was developed at Portland Community College, who selected Eastfield College to replicate their nationwide program.  The program is funded by Wal-Mart, The Gates Foundation, Eastfield Community College, and Garland and Mesquite school districts.

How do students apply?

• Complete the Gateway to College application, provide the required documents, and attend the required information and evaluation sessions.  Be sure to call the Gateway to College information line at 972-860-7129 to reserve a seat. 
• Accepted applicants will receive an admission letter followed by an information packet.
• Admission is not guaranteed; acceptance to the program is based upon test scores, credits, age, and residency.
  

How to Apply to the Gateway College Program
Gateway to College is now accepting application for the Fall 2009 term.

3-Step Application Process

Step 1:  Carefully complete the Gateway to College application form**. 
Be sure to complete the three required essays (see the last page of the application for more details), sign and date the application.  Bring these materials and your high school transcript to your Information Session.

Step 2:  Sign up and attend an Information Session.
You must call our reservation number at 972-860-7129 or send an email to GatewaytoCollege@dcccd.edu to reserve a place at an Information Session.  Please select a date and time from the table below.

At the information session (first day) you will receive more information about our program.  Parents, counselors, friends, and agency case managers are welcome and encouraged to attend.  All applicants who meet basic eligibility requirements will be referred to a mandatory 2 evening Evaluation Session.  Applicants are expected to attend the complete 2 evening Evaluation Session that immediately follows their Information session unless otherwise announced/approved.

Step 3  Attend a 2-Evening Evaluation Session
When you go to the Information Session, you will be referred for the next Evaluation Session if you meet the requirements for eligibility.  During the Evaluation Session, you will take a series of tests which will be used to evaluate your readiness for the program.  Program admissions decisions are made within three weeks following the Evaluation Session.

Please Note:

• Applicants must arrive on time for the Information and Evaluation Sessions.  Once assessment testing is in progress, NO ONE will be allowed in.
• Maps and directions to Eastfield College is available online at http://www.eastfieldcollege.edu/co/location.html.
• Applicants must bring their completed and signed application, 3 essays and current high school transcript to the Information Session.  If you have a 504 Plan or an I.E.P., bring documentation to verify your testing accommodations.  Please see application materials for eligibility criteria and other detailed information.  For application, orientation reservations, and general information call 972-860-7129.

Want more information?

Please contact Gateway to College information line at 972-860-7129 or send an email to GatewaytoCollege@dcccd.edu if you have any questions.