July 8, 2010
For immediate use

(Durham, N.C.) – Durham Technical Community College’s Gateway to College student recruitment process for the Fall 2010 semester is winding down, but it's not too late. The program targets students who have dropped out of Durham Public Schools (DPS) and are serious about a second chance to earn a high school diploma. The program still has spaces left. Two final information sessions - July 13 and 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. are scheduled for interested applicants and their families.  Applicants must call first to register at 919-536-7248.

While at Durham Tech, Gateway to College participants also earn college credits. All Gateway to College students are on scholarship and do not pay for college tuition, books, or fees. Durham Tech and DPS are collaborating on this new program. 

Prospective students must meet the following criteria:

• Are 16-21 years old
• Live within the Durham Public Schools (DPS) District
• Have dropped out of high school before earning a diploma
• Are behind in high school credits for age and grade
• Read at an eighth-grade level or higher
• Can complete requirements for a high school diploma by age 22
• Have an expressed desire to earn a high school diploma and college degree

For more information about Gateway to College, call 919-536-7248 or visit www.durhamtech.edu/gateway.  The application for the program is available online.

Gateway to College National Network provided a start-up grant to help implement Durham's Gateway to College program.  Ongoing funding is provided by Durham Technical Community College and our partner in student success, Durham Public Schools.

The National Network's major funders include: the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; the Foundation to Promote Open Society, a sister organization of the Open Society Institute; The Kresge Foundation; and the Walmart Foundation.