Gateway to College is designed for young adults ages 16-24 who have dropped out of high school or are significantly behind in credits for their age and not on track to graduate. This program is a national initiative brought to Flint through a partnership between Mott Community College and the Flint Community Schools. The program allows students to complete their high school diploma requirements on a college campus while simultaneously earning college credits towards a degree or certificate.
Students are placed into small learning communities during their first semester(s), and together they take classes in reading, writing, math and college skills. Upon completion of the “Foundation” courses students transition and begin taking classes with the general student population. All classes are conducted on Mott Community College campus and are taught by college faculty. Students are simultaneously working toward a high school diploma and a college degree or certificate.
This program reintroduces youth to education, acclimates students to a college environment, builds their basic skills, improves their academic habits, reinforces their motivation and prepares them for college success.
During their enrollment in the program, students receive wrap-around support, one-on-one advising and mentoring from resource specialists who will keep students on track for high school completion, while at the same time assisting them with transitioning to post-secondary education. Once students have completed their high school diploma requirements they will graduate from the Gateway to College program.
Since 2003, Gateway to College has evolved from a single-site program into a national network of 35 colleges in 20 states partnering with more than 125 school districts. MCC is excited to become part of Gateway to College National Network and the first community college in the State of Michigan to implement the Gateway to College program.
This GED Preparation program is an alternative to the traditional GED program. The intent of the program is to prepare participants to take and successfully pass the GED exam. The curriculum is designed to help participants improve their basic literacy and workplace skills through the use of technology. It allows for the development and demonstration of a performance-based Adult Education/GED preparation program design that accelerates learning rates and is offered in an open entry-open exit format. A combination of instructional techniques designed to match the learning styles and interests of adult learners and to engage participants in intensive learning situations is utilized. Upon passing the GED exam, participants are prepared to pursue personal goals.
Students’ goals may be post-secondary education enrollment, personal achievement of a G.E.D., employment in a job, or advancement to a better job. Work Keys standardized assessment tests are used to measure program outcomes as they relate to determining participant progress toward achieving the established goals in an individual learning plan.
