In order to be successful, students today need to gain real-world exposure, connect with mentors, and participate in experiences that help fuel ambitious future aspirations. This is especially important for academically disadvantaged students.
Gateway recognizes this critical need and partners with community-based organizations to provide enrichment activities and real-world learning experiences like internships, jobs, and volunteering opportunities.
As Gateway's first ever Director of Partnerships, Rachel Kamen works closely with Gateway students, families, and staff to help identify what students are interested in and to find collaborative ways to connect students with these opportunities.
"There are endless opportunities in the Bay Area for middle school and high school aged students, and it's exciting for me to explore all that is out there in the community, get to know our students and families, and focus on connecting the two in a meaningful way," says Kamen.
Kamen started working at Gateway just over a year ago and has built upon Gateway's existing community partnerships as well as developed new partnerships that support real-world learning and opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic (STEAM) fields.
Girls Who Code piloted at Gateway Middle School this year and over 20 Gateway Middle School girls are immersed in a five-week program that helps them build confidence and learn skills in computer science.
According to Girls Who Code, jobs in technology are among the fastest growing in the country, yet girls are being left behind. While interest in computer science ebbs over time, the biggest drop off happens between the ages of 13-17. "By bringing Girls Who Code to Gateway Middle School, we hope to empower girls and help to close the gender gap in technology," says Kamen.
At Gateway High School, partnerships with organizations like Genesys Works, YouthJobs+, and JobCouch have helped Gateway students with their search for real-world career experiences. "We've hosted resume writing workshops, had students attend job fairs, and have been able to provide ongoing support for students looking to explore the professional world, thanks to these high-quality partnerships," says Kamen.
Other partnerships at Gateway include but are not limited to partnerships with Mission Bit, Ignite, SF Achievers, SMART, the DeYoung Museum, Inneract Project, Cobb Elementary School, the Movement Foundation, and the SF Maritime Center.
According to Kamen, "creating opportunities for students to connect and learn with and from the community is invaluable and can be a transformative part of their educational and life journey."
Gateway welcomes opportunities for community involvement. If you would like to learn more about how to become a Gateway partner, please contact Rachel Kamen at [email protected] or (415) 749-3600 X 4447.