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Published in the Democrat and Chronicle:
 
Project for dropouts debuts
MCC accepting applications for inaugural class of as many as 44

Matthew Daneman
Staff writer

(March 31, 2007) — Monroe Community College's effort to help Rochester School District dropouts earn their diplomas, plus some college credits, is now looking for its inaugural class.

The Gateway to College program is accepting applications and has scheduled four separate information and screening sessions in May.

The first group of as many as 44 Gateway students will start classes Sept. 4 at MCC's Damon City Campus.

And with students going to school largely full time, and expected to do three to four hours of homework a night, "it's going to be a pretty intense commitment on the part of the students," said Denise Prohaska, director of MCC's Gateway program.

On May 1, 7, 14 and 21, MCC will hold information sessions about the program and screen applicants, who are to bring completed, 10-page applications that include copies of high school transcripts and three short personal essays.

The college will invite back only prospective students who meet eligibility requirements for two more days of orientation andassessment of their math, reading and writing skills.

To be eligible, applicants must be ages 16 to 20 and dropouts who read at least at an eighth-grade level. According to the Rochester School District, about 800 students drop out each year.

Through Gateway, students will take MCC courses that also count toward unfilled requirements for earning their high school diplomas. They will attend free of charge, receive free books and have access to MCC support services such as tutoring.

Students will be able to roll their credits toward an associate's degree at MCC.

MCC's Gateway to College replicates a program started in Portland, Ore.

A variety of foundations are backing the creation of similar Gateway programs in states scattered across the country.

Dianne E McConkey
Public Affairs
04/03/2007