How does the Gateway to College program work?
The Gateway to College program helps students who have dropped out of high school or who may not graduate earn high school credits while earning college credits. Many of our students will go on to finish a college degree or certificate or even transfer to a four year college!
Gateway to College does not serve students who are doing well in high school and want to make an early transition to college. Gateway to College works exclusively with students who have not experienced success in a traditional high school. They are either no longer attending or are significantly behind in credits and are unable to graduate with their peers.
Once you have been admitted, you will be enrolled in a Gateway to College learning community at Lake Washington Institute of Technology.
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A learning community is a group of 20-25 students who take all of their first term courses together in preparation for becoming college students on the college campus.
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Learning community first term courses are reading, writing, math, college strategies and success, and academic lab.
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Students will earn both high school and college credits starting in their first term.
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Students spend 3-4 hours outside of class working on homework.
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After successfully completing the learning community first term, students transition into a technical program of study at the college.
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Students must continue to earn a 2.0 GPA and follow the student code of conduct to remain eligible.
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Students continue to earn both high school and college credit, as they work towards earning a high school diploma and a college degree or certificate.
What can I achieve in this program?
Students can earn their high school diploma and work towards a college degree or certificate.
How long does it take me to earn my high school diploma?
Most students are in Gateway to College for 2-3 years. The exact length of time to earn a diploma varies by a student's course load and credit needs. Students remain in Gateway to College until they earn a diploma or turn 21. Program graduates are encouraged to continue their college studies to meet their academic goals.
Who are Gateway to College students?
Gateway to College is for students who are:
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16 to 20 years old
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Behind in high school credits (for age and grade, with a history of absenteeism and low GPA.
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Students who have fewer than 17 credits when they begin the program
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Students who live in one of the eligible school districts
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Reading at an eighth grade level or higher (English proficiency).
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Able to complete their high school diploma by age 21.
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Willing to make a long term commitment (two or more years) to work hard to complete high school and progress toward a college degree.
What is expected of me?
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Students are expected to attend 100% of their classes.
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Students are expected to come to class on time.
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Be prepared with class materials, and to complete all class and homework assignments.
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Students are expected to spend 3-4 hours a day working on their homework (outside of class time). We strongly encourage students who have a job to consider the time demands of the program.
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Students are expected to adhere to all Lake Washington Technical College policies and procedures.
What kind of support will help me be successful in a college setting?
Students who are accepted into the program are assigned a Resource Specialist. Resource Specialists provide support and access to resources to help all students in the program to be successful. Resource Specialists provide the following services:
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Transcript reviews and academic advising.
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Assistance with completing enrollment and registration
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Referrals to resources, such as tutoring, counseling, student activities, health services, and more.
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Coaching and guidance including assistance with problem solving and time management.
If I have been on an Individual Education Plan (IEP) at my high school, will I still receive the same services and support at Lake Washington Institute of Technology?
If you have an IEP, or 504 plan, we will want you to meet with LWIT Disability Support Services to discuss accommodations that are available in the college environment. It is important to determine if the kinds of services a student would need to support their success would be available to them at LWIT prior to entry. For more information, contact LWTC Disability Support Services by email.
Where is the Gateway to College Program located?
The Gateway to College program is on the Kirkland campus of Lake Washington Institute of Technology, 11605 132nd Ave NE, in Kirkland, Washington, 98034. The High School programs office is in the West Building, Room W210, across from Financial Aid.
How much does it cost?
Gateway to College students do not pay tuition fee and most books and tools are provided at no cost to the student. Some programs, though, do require personal equipment and consumable materials. A book and equipment deposit of $100.00 is required. Failure to return books and tools by the end of the quarter will result in loss of the deposit. A student would need to repay the deposit to enroll in classes.
Is this option right for me?
Material is covered at a much faster pace than in high school. If you have the maturity to accept the challenges of the college environment then Gateway to College may be a good choice for you.
To succeed in the program, you'll need to be in class about 20 hours a week and do three to four hours of homework per day. You are expected to attend every class. Because the program requires a strong commitment, it's best if you work fewer than 25 hours a week.
The program takes time - most of our students achieve their high school diploma in two to three years, but remember you will be earning college credits too!
What is the college school year?
Gateway to College follows the academic calendar of the Lake Washington Institute of Technology which is different than local school district calendars.
