Story courtesy of Lisa Garrett, Tri-County Technical College

Four days into the fall semester, George Fiori got an e-mail from a CPT 270 Advanced Microcomputer Applications student saying she had finished the online class. The average student takes the entire 15 weeks to complete the course that focuses on Microsoft Office and the more advanced features of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with an introduction to Access.
George admits he was taken aback – “It’s a record for completion, but it’s doable if someone really buckles down,” he said. He also remembers thinking, “I hope this is a CPT student. I checked the class roll and saw that she was a Gateway to College student, and it knocked my socks off.”

Kayla Nichols, of Belton, dropped out of high school twice before enrolling in the Gateway program. The first time was two weeks before she turned 17. She tried to go back in the eleventh grade, but it didn’t work out. “I just couldn’t be myself. I didn’t fit in. A friend told me about Gateway, and I came to Tri-County for orientation,” she said. She began the journey of earning her high school diploma while simultaneously earning college credit. She was sponsored by Belton-Honea Path High School and graduated with her diploma in May 2010.

The Gateway to College program serves high school dropouts age 17 – 20 who meet specific eligibility criteria and live in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties. Using a dual credit model, students earn both high school and college credit, and may simultaneously complete both the high school diploma (meeting all requirements of the South Carolina Department of Education) and a postsecondary credential. Kayla received additional support from the Workforce Investment Act Program administered by WorkLink Workforce Investment Board.

“I love Gateway because I’m treated like an adult and I’m allowed to be myself. I always wanted to go to college. I want a better life,” said Kayla, who earned an A in George’s class. “I will be jumping for joy next spring when I run, not walk, across the graduation stage.”

Kayla is not alone in her success through the Gateway to College program.

“Gateway is about achieving academic requirements, but it’s also about getting students excited about learning and their ability to learn,” said Diana Walter, director of the program. “We see the sense of pride they feel when they accomplish something, when they reach a goal that maybe they didn’t think was possible. Once that light comes on, so to speak, we know they’re on their way to a great future, and that’s a win for all of us!”