نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Overview of the Gateway to College Program

The Gateway to College program at Laney College is an alternative high school that provides Bay Area students with an opportunity to experience success in an academically rigorous, supportive, and safe environment as they pursue their high school diplomas and transition into college through concurrent enrollment. The program has partnered with Oakland Unified School District and Peralta Community Colleges since 2009, offering "At Promise" Alameda County students the resources and mentorship needed to recover credits while concurrently taking transferable college courses.

Program Benefits

• Complete high school diploma with only 190 high school credits
• Receive an accredited OUSD high school diploma upon completion
• Get comprehensive student service support
• Personalized education planning
• FREE tuition
• FREE class materials and supplies
• FREE textbooks

Gateway to College Eligibility Requirements

• Between the ages of 16-20 (must be able to graduate by the age of 21)
• A resident of Alameda County
• Must be behind in high school credits or dropped out of high school

How the Gateway to College Program Works

Once admitted, students are enrolled in a Gateway to College learning community at Laney College for two semesters. A learning community is a small group of students who take all of their courses together in preparation for becoming college students on the college campus. Courses include reading/writing, math, and college preparation/academic success. Students receive intensive academic and counseling support and earn both high school and college credits starting in their first term. After successfully completing the learning community, students transition into regular Laney classes, where they continue to earn both high school and college credit as they work towards earning a high school diploma.

Program Structure and Support

• Students are expected to attend 100% of their classes, come to class on time, be prepared with class materials, and complete all class and homework assignments.
• Students in their first year are expected to attend program activities Monday through Friday and spend 3-4 hours a day working on homework outside of class time.
• The program provides a safe, rigorous, and supportive learning environment with a skilled and caring instruction team, including learning coaches (tutors).
• Workshops, guest speakers, field trips, and program events are offered to inspire and encourage students in their growth to become successful college students.
• Each student is assigned a counselor who provides support and access to resources, including transcript reviews, student education plans, academic advising, assistance with enrollment and registration, referrals to resources, personal counseling, and guidance.

Application Process

1. Visit the Gateway to College Program: In-person visit to learn about the program.
2. Complete an Information Session: One-on-one information sessions are available to understand program structure, requirements, and expectations.
3. Complete an Application Packet: Includes attending an information session, requesting transcripts, completing a consent form, and submitting an essay response.
4. Participate in an Individual Interview: Allows staff to understand prospective students' experiences, goals, and expectations.
5. Student Selection Committee Review: Evaluates applications based on eligibility, readiness, and availability of spaces.

Cohort Model

Gateway promotes success and readiness by grouping students into learning communities for their first term. After completing their foundation semester, students transition to taking classes with the general Laney student population, with resource specialists working to focus on a pathway or major that aligns with the completion of credits.

Expected Outcomes

Students can earn their high school diplomas and college credits toward a certificate or a degree. Most students are in the Gateway to College program for three to six semesters, with the exact length of time to earn a diploma varying by course load and credit needs. Students remain in Gateway to College until they earn a diploma or turn 21 years old, with encouragement to continue pursuing a postsecondary credential or degree after graduation.