Gateway to College © program at Holyoke Community College serves at-risk youth, 16 to 21 years old, who have stopped attending Holyoke and Springfield High Schools and for whom high school completion is at-risk. The program gives students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma while transitioning to a college campus. Students may simultaneously accumulate high school and college credits, earning their high school diploma while progressing toward an associate’s degree or certificate.

Gateway to College © students learn how to succeed in an educational setting, under the guidance of a caring team of instructors and student support specialists with experience and interest in at-risk youth. In their first term, students take foundational courses as part of a learning community. This experience builds their academic and personal skills, preparing them for college courses with the general student population. During the Foundation Term, students take reading, writing, and math, plus a college survival and success class where students learn how to take effective notes, study for tests, and juggle school, work and family life. After completing the Foundation Term, students take a career development class to help them focus their academic goals and select a major. In addition, Gateway to College © will identify educational and career opportunities for students.

Gateway to College© is supported is part of the National Early College High School Initiative to improve student success. Gateway is a national network of 18 community colleges and over 50 local school districts which began at Portland Community College, Portland, Oregon. Gateway is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and its partners.