NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES HUMAN SERVICES AWARD (NACO)

BACKGROUND: In today’s economy, some form of post-secondary training and education is required for economic self-sufficiency. High wage, high growth employers in particular seek community college level reading and math skills. Disadvantaged youth however face many barriers in connecting to and succeeding in community college such as lack of basic skills, lack of knowledge of college opportunities, lack of social support, and lack of resources.

Despite the clear importance of connecting disadvantaged individuals to college and career, few current programs are targeted to populations most in need: low skilled adults, out-of-school youth; and transitioning foster care youth. Those programs that do exist are seldom supported and sustained with public funds

GOAL: To create a program model to assist disadvantaged youth and adults in the community in transitioning to community college, and to sustain it with public resources.

PARTNERS: The Walter S Johnson Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation, 10 community colleges, 8 workforce investment agencies and 6 social service agencies.

MODEL AND FRAMEWORK: The Gateway creates a pathway to college and career beginning with a four month college credited Bridge program and leading to continuing post-secondary education and a college degree or certificate. In each county the Gateway will be sustained with a combination of Workforce Investment Act and post-secondary funding. Gateway features include:

• Intensive skill development in English and math
• 12 college credits
• Counseling and social support;
• Full financial aid package for eligible students;
• Transition to a post-secondary training, certificate or degree

GPA ROLE:

• Program and strategic development;
• Partner recruitment;
• Funding development;
• Technical assistance.