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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Gateway to College Program Discontinued


The Gateway to College Program, a partnership between Monroe Community College and the Rochester City School District (RCSD), was established in 2006 and has served over two hundred at-risk students through spring 2011.  Originally funded as a grant initiative and later funded primarily by the RCSD, Gateway provided the opportunity for high school students to complete their high school requirements, participate in regents examinations, and earn college credits in the safe and supportive environment of MCC’s Damon City Campus.  

The Rochester City School District board recently passed the RCSD budget for 2011-12 which did not include continued funding for the Gateway to College Program.  MCC and the RCSD personnel have met and are creating alternative educational plans for the students presently enrolled in Gateway.  RCSD has several non-traditional secondary programs including Young Adult Evening High School, GED programs, and credit recovery programs which will be considered as options based on individual students needs and preferences.   

Damon City Campus is saddened to lose the dynamic contributions and energy of the Gateway students as well as an incredibly dedicated team of Gateway personnel.  Denise Prohaska, program director, Laurie Alexander, program specialist, and Andrea Julca, AmeriCorps worker, will continue serving the program and students through June 30, 2011. They have demonstrated dedication to the program, commitment to student success, and quite literally, bridged the gap between high school and college for program participants. 


Kate Schiefen
Academic Services, Damon City Campus
05/25/2011