Tonight, the first of Uxbridge High School’s graduates will receive their diplomas in a ceremony at Quinsigamond Community College. 

I write this blog for my friend and colleague, Pati Gregson.  Pati and I were on the team that brought the Gateway to College to Massachusetts in 2005.  Pati lost her life in 2021. She would be so proud to read this post about the Gateway to College and its continued success in Massachusetts.

This program, designed to keep kids in school by stopping them from dropping out of school or returning them to school after dropping out, started with us at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, MA.  This program can now be found in six Massachusetts Community Colleges and many community colleges nationwide. 

One of these community colleges is Quinsigamond Community College, where the Gateway to College Program exists in partnership with Uxbridge High School – go figure. 

Founded in 2000, the Gateway to College National Network (GtCNN) has established itself as an integral part of the education sector. This esteemed organization aims to aid at-risk and disenfranchised youths in their quest for academic success and employment. Today, we take a deeper dive into the past two decades of GtCNN, understanding its roots, its journey, and its unparalleled impact on the lives of countless young people.

The Gateway to College program was built around the concept of dual enrollment. This innovative model allowed students to pursue their high school diplomas while simultaneously earning college credits. Beyond academics, the program provided comprehensive support, acknowledging the diverse and often complex issues its target demographic faces. It offered dedicated advisors, personal counseling, and numerous support services.

In 2003, thanks to its demonstrable success and the generosity of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gateway to College replication project was launched, expanding the program to colleges nationwide.  They offered big grants, some exceeding $500,000.00 – and as a recipient of these funds, we got this program going here in Massachusetts.

Over the next decade, GtCNN rapidly expanded, offering its services through partnerships with colleges across the United States. By 2009, Gateway to College programs were functioning in over 30 colleges in 16 states. The network focused not only on expansion but also on refining and improving its model.  In 2010, I was named to the Gateway to College National Network Board of Directors as the only Superintendent representative nationally.  This was among the most tremendous honors of my career.

Throughout its history, the Gateway to College National Network has received numerous accolades for its transformative work. In 2012, the Harvard Educational Innovation Laboratory recognized Gateway as one of a handful of programs that significantly affected high school and postsecondary completion rates for off-track youth. This affirmation of the model's effectiveness further strengthened its mission and impact.

The organization continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of its student population. As we look towards the future, GtCNN remains dedicated to its mission, guided by the belief that every student deserves the chance to succeed in high school and beyond, regardless of their circumstances.

The Gateway to College National Network is more than an educational program - it is a lifeline for countless youths nationwide. By providing academic opportunities and the crucial support that students often lack, GtCNN has changed lives and positively influenced communities and society. This inspiring organization is a testament to the power of innovative educational approaches, demonstrating that with the right support, every student can thrive.  Uxbridge's partnership with Quinsigamond Community College is noteworthy, and I will write more about it this week.