Gateway to College
get in touch
Please email sglenn@hcc.edu or complete this interest form.
Gateway at a Glance
Gateway to College is an early college program at Holyoke Community College designed to help students rediscover their path to success. The program supports high school students who are ready for a fresh start—whether they’ve stepped away from traditional high school or would benefit from a more supportive, personalized learning environment. At Gateway, students take courses that count toward both their high school diploma and future college goals, building confidence, independence, and momentum along the way.
This is not a high school equivalency program; students who complete Gateway earn a high school diploma from their home district while also having the potential to graduate with college credits, putting them on a strong path toward continued education and career success.
As part of a national network of 31 programs across 18 states, HCC’s Gateway to College program has earned recognition for its powerful impact on student success. More than 700 students from 14 local school districts have graduated from Gateway, each with a story of resilience and growth. Many students enter the program ready for a fresh start, and through personalized support and high expectations, they build strong academic habits and confidence in their abilities.
While in Gateway, students earn their high school diploma with the potential to earn an average of 12 college credits. Most graduates continue their education in college, carrying forward the momentum they built at Gateway and taking the next steps toward their future.
Student Support
Students complete an in-depth application process with Gateway, including essays, testing, and a personal interview. The two most critical pieces of the application process are the genuine desire to finish high school, and a commitment to the changes necessary to become successful college students.
Gateway is rigorous. Students take a fulltime course load, with classes that match their high school requirements, MCAS needs, and career interests. They may attend classes in five terms: fall, intersession (January), spring, Maymester (May), and summer. They need to meet the same standards as students on federal financial aid: successful completion of 67% of attempted courses, with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Innovative Teaching & Learning
Gateway students are college students, and have a flexible college schedule. Gateway applicants need to have the maturity to handle this flexibility, as well as the rights and responsibilities of college life. Attendance is a key component of college success, as students may be withdrawn from classes after just three absences. Gateway is an amazing opportunity, but it requires tremendous effort and commitment. Gateway asks each student to move beyond their high school identities and begin a new chapter in their lives. Gateway students are college students who transform into scholars and leaders who fully expect to make a difference in their communities.
Our Students
Gateway is open to students ages 16-20 years of age. Interested students MUST attend an information session to start the application process. Upcoming sessions are listed below. Students must come from school districts with a contract with Gateway to College.
How do you apply?
- Attend info session
- Complete HCC application
- Submit Gateway application
- Interview
- Take the College Placement Test
Information Sessions
Please email sglenn@hcc.edu or complete this interest form for information about upcoming virtual information sessions.
What type of student is successful at Gateway to College?
Students who are behind in credits, out of school, and those who may have encountered institutional or socio-economic barriers impacting their ability to be successful in traditional high school. All applicants should consider the rigorous workload, extra transportation time, and amount of homework necessary to do well in an early college setting.
What kind of support will I get?
You will work closely with a Resource Specialist to choose classes, pick a major, and identify and manage issues before they escalate into problems. We will help you find creative solutions to all sorts of challenges (homelessness, daycare, medical issue, transportation, childcare, family issues, lack of motivation, etc). The key component to success is communication: We can't help you if we don't know what's going on.
What is the school day like?
Each student has a different schedule based upon their classes, so the school day is different for everyone. While Gateway students typically spend less time in actual classes than high school students, the amount of work required outside the classroom is MUCH greater. Expect to spend three hours on homework and projects for every one hour you are in class.
What does it cost?
Gateway is free to students, as your school district pays for you to attend. Because it is a scholarship program, students need to meet minimum standards in order to stay in the program.
What about transportation?
Gateway students receive PVTA bus passes that are valid for each academic semester. If students choose to drive, they must register their car and post a (free) HCC decal in their vehicle.
What if I am a young parent?
Twenty percent of our students have young children, and Gateway's flexible schedule is helpful. However, young parents often feel overwhelmed by the college workload and homework, and need to have contingency plans in place. All applicants, especially young parents who are juggling multiple responsibilities, should consider the tough work load, extra transportation time, and amount of homework necessary to do well in college.
Can a student with an IEP attend Gateway?
Yes, if the student's IEP team determines that the college-based accommodations available through HCC are adequate to meet the student's needs.
Can I stay connected to my high school?
Some Gateway students participate in high school events such as prom and graduation. Some Gateway students even play sports for their high school. Some Gateway students choose to never have contact with their high schools.
Will Gateway let me earn my High School Equivalency?
No. Gateway is for students who want to earn their high school diploma. If you want to get your High School Equivalency, we will help you find a High School Equivalency testing site.
Do I need to pass MCAS?
Yes. You need to meet all of your district's graduation requirements, including courses and MCAS.
Can I have a job while I'm in Gateway?
It is very difficult to juggle the demands of college and a job, especially in the first semester. If you need to have a job, work with your Resource Specialist to find a manageable schedule that allows you to juggle your multiple demands. School needs to be your top priority. If you are not successful academically, you will lose your scholarship and will be withdrawn from the program.
How do I apply?
Interested students MUST attend an Information Session at HCC. That begins a process that includes testing, a written application, and an interview.
Attendance at an information session is required in order to apply for admission to Gateway to College. Please email sglenn@hcc.edu or complete this interest form for information about upcoming virtual information sessions.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Please email Shannon at sglenn@hcc.edu for information about upcoming virtual information sessions.
About Gateway
Learn more about this national program.
