Informed by our strategic planning process and current educational research, Gateway has launched three critical initiatives that are certain to increase Gateway’s impact on our own students and provide important resources and services to students and educators beyond our walls.
Increasing Gateway's Impact
Building a 21st Century Model – All Students College and Career Ready
At Gateway, we seek to beat one of the most persistent issues facing students in public schools: the opportunity gap, or the difference between the types of academic and enrichment opportunities afforded to low-income students compared with their more privileged peers; our 96% college-bound rate tells us that we are on the right track.
In order for academically disadvantaged students to be prepared for success in college and career in the 21st century, they need access to rigorous learning experiences that build connections between what happens in the classroom and in the real world.They need strong training in the emerging fields of science, engineering and technology. They need intensive support to understand and navigate the college process.And, they need access to professional role models/mentors and workplace experiences that help fuel ambitious college and career aspirations.
Increase learning opportunities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math).
This includes building a state-of-the-art STEAM Center, as well as investing in computer science classes and robotics, and developing ongoing partnerships with the nonprofit programs in these areas.
Enhance Gateway’s college access and readiness programs
Ensure that all students have systematic mentoring necessary to understand the college process, successfully apply (and get into) challenging and appropriate colleges, and receive ample financial aid and scholarships. This includes developing a fund for students to visit target colleges, participate in test prep courses, etc., creating a network of preferred colleges, and increasing supports for students to access a broad range of scholarships and college access programs.
Expand opportunities for career exploration and exposure
Expand opportunities for career exploration and exposure in order to make learning relevant and help students expand their vision of themselves and their futures. Specifically, this means doubling Gateway’s internship program and expanding our career speaker series at both Gateway High School and Gateway Middle School to include more fields, more events such as workplace tours, and mentoring.