Frequently Asked Questions

Who is appropriate for Gateway to College?

• Students who want to complete their high school diploma.
• Students who are willing to accept responsibility for their own success.
• Students who demonstrate the kind of motivation, attitude, skills, and commitment it takes to be successful in a college environment.
• Students who have a career goal that requires a college degree.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Gateway to College program?

• Student must be 16-20 years old.
• Student must be able to complete their high school diploma by their 21st birthday.
• Student must have last attended an Omaha Public Schools high school.
• Student must be residing within the Omaha Public Schools district.
• Student must read at a minimum of an 8th grade reading level.

How does the Gateway to College program work?

• Students will be assigned to a Gateway to College learning community.
• A learning community is a small group of students who take all of their first term foundation courses together on the MCC Fort Omaha Campus.
• Foundation term courses are English, Math, and College Success Strategies.
• After successfully completing the first term, students will transition into regular college classes.
• Students enrolled in the MCC classes will simultaneously earn both high school and college credit. The students receive their high school diploma from Omaha Public Schools and college credit from MCC.
• All courses after the foundation term are selected with the guidance of a Resource Specialist, based upon each student's high school completion plan and educational goals.

What is expected of me?

• Students are expected to attend 100% of classes.
• Students are expected to come to class on time, be prepared with class materials, possess a positive attitude and mind set and to complete all class and homework assignments.
• Students are expected to spend about three (3) hours a day working on their homework (outside of class time). We strongly encourage students who have jobs to consider the time demands of the program.
• Students are expected to earn grades of “C” or higher in all classes.
• Students are expected to maintain contact with their Student Resource Specialist as directed.
• Students are expected to utilize the resources MCC provides for students, such as, the Academic Resource Center, Writing Center, Math Center, tutors, etc.
• Students are expected to adhere to all MCC policies and procedures.

What can I achieve in this program?

• Students can earn their high school diploma and a range of 30 - 60 college quarter credits, putting them well on their way to earning an associate’s degree.
• Students are encouraged to take advantage of the college credits earned in Gateway and continue their education towards a Certificate program, Associate Degree, or transfer to a four-year college.

How long will it take me to earn my high school diploma?

• Most students are in Gateway to College for 1-3 years. The exact length of time to earn a diploma varies by a student’s course load and credit needs. Students remain in Gateway to College until they earn a high school diploma or turn 21.

What is the cost of the program?

• Through a partnership with Omaha Public Schools, Gateway to College students receive a scholarship which pays for college tuition and books.
• The scholarship is contingent upon the student’s performance in meeting foundation term standards and student progress of high school completion.

What kind of support will help me be successful in a college setting?

Students who are accepted into the program are assigned a Resource Specialist. Resource Specialists provide support and access to resources to help students in the program be successful.

Resource Specialists will provide the following services:

• Transcript reviews and academic advising
• Assistance with completing enrollment and registration
• Referrals to resources, such as tutoring, counseling, student activities, health services and more
• Coaching and guidance including assistance with problem solving, time management, as well as, career awareness and planning.

If I have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan at my high school, will I still receive the same services and support at MCC?

Applicants who have received Special Education Services and who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) in place will be required to participate in an IEP meeting at the Omaha Public Schools district. Due to the volume of meeting requests, we can not guarantee this process can be completed in time for acceptance for the term for which you are applying.

Can I be considered for the Gateway to College program if I am still enrolled in high school?

Yes, high school students may attend an Information Session to learn about the Gateway to College program. 

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