We are excited to share the news that Lake Washington Institute of Technology has a new program to serve high school youth who are seeking an option to complete their high school diploma! Gateway to College is a national dropout recovery program originally developed by Portland Community College in Oregon. National studies show about 1 out of 3 students drop out of high school. Without a diploma, dropouts face a dim future-few job opportunities, low wages, and limited chances for advancement. Gateway to College is designed as an alternative for students who may have thought they had none.
LWIT is proud to join the Gateway to College National Network comprised of 26 colleges in 16 states who provide this option for drop out youth. This program is funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. LWIT is the first college in Washington to be awarded the program.
Gateway to College program is for 16-20 year olds who have either dropped out of high school or on the verge of dropping out and are interested in returning to school and completing their high school diploma. Students simultaneously accumulate high school and college credits, earning their high school diploma while progressing toward a certificate or associate's degree. Students selected to participate in the Gateway to College program will receive a scholarship for tuition and books.
The Gateway to College staff is committed to providing the support necessary for educational success. In addition to academic and financial assistance, students will have a resource specialist who will act as an academic coach. The resource specialist guides students through the college experience as an academic advisor, instructor and a mentor. They will assist students with different facets of the college experience-everything from teaching students about careers and time management to providing referrals to community resources.
New students join one of two learning communities, morning or afternoon which meets 5 days a week. A learning community is a group of 25 students who take all of their first term courses together. During the first quarter (foundation term) students take reading, writing, and math, plus a college strategies class where students learn how to take effective notes, study for tests, and juggle school, work, and family life. Students will also spend time on career exploration to help them focus their goals and select a program of study at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. After successfully completing the learning community foundation term, students transition into a technical program of study at the college. Students will earn both high school and college credits starting in their first term.
Students who had little chance of even graduating from high school are earning their diplomas and succeeding in college. They are pursuing college degrees and challenging careers. In short, they are reinventing themselves for a better future!
Gateway to College is changing lives
For more information about the Gateway to College program at LWIT, please call the high school programs office at (425) 739-8107. We invite you to review some Frequently Asked Questions.
To be eligible for this program, students MUST:
-
Have a GPA below 2.0 (exceptions are considered)
-
Have chronologically completed 10th grade (this means a student is old enough that they should have finished 10th grade but may not have enough credits to actually be a junior).
-
Have left high school before graduation or be at risk of dropping out. Students cannot be enrolled in another high school program once they enter our program.
-
Be at least 16 as of midnight August 31 for admission any time during the school year
-
Be no more than 20 as of midnight August 31
-
Be behind in high school credits for age and grade, with fewer than 17 credits total
-
Achieve minimum test scores on the COMPASS
-
Live within one of our 30+ partner school districts
- Complete all steps in the application process within specified time frame
Selection Committee Review
The selection committee will review all applications for the Gateway to College program. Acceptance is not guaranteed and the decision of the selection committee is final due to limited enrollment.
The selection committee will be evaluating applicants based on the following factors:
-
Meets all the eligibility requirements
-
Application is complete, and all application materials were turned in by the deadline
-
Achieves the minimum standard scores on all evaluations
-
Displays positive behavior, attitude, and participation at the evaluation sessions
-
Completes the individual interview
-
Displays a commitment to completing the Gateway to College program
How to Enroll
-
Interested student and a parent (or guardian) attends a HOP (High School Options) session. HOP sessions are generally held each week at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. You must have a reservation in order to attend. Please call our office at (425) 739-8107 to sign up. You must arrive on time, no late admission.
-
Obtain a copy of your current high school transcript, unofficial is fine. Bring this with you as your entry ticket to the HOP. You will not be admitted to the HOP without your transcript and a parent/guardian.
-
At the HOP you will be given:
• An appointment time for taking the COMPASS test at the HOP session. Plan to take the test the week following your HOP session
• An essay assignment
-
Prepare for your COMPASS placement test in Reading, Writing and Math by reviewing this helpful information. Students must have qualifying scores to be admitted to our programs. Please be sure to prepare before you take the test. Re-testing within the two-year period is allowed only under specific circumstances, with advisor permission.
-
Return to the High School Programs office, West Building, West 210 with your completed essay and a photo ID at your designated COMPASS appointment time.
-
If you have qualifying scores, you will be given a homework assignment and invited back on Friday for an interview. You must bring your completed essay with you to your interview.
