The U.S. Census Bureau says a high school graduate makes an average $33,609 a year, but a college graduate makes $59,635. That's $1.3 million more over the course of a lifetime! There are priceless other benefits as well: important skills such as communication and tolerance, and expanded social horizons. By meeting new people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, graduates develop contacts that can help them throughout their lives, both personally and professionally.

The Teen Center at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club meets a great number of young people who face exceptional challenges. "P" had a 0.9 average his freshman year of high school. It turned out that "P" wasn't studying because he and his sister were too busy trying to keep the family together. Why? Mom and Dad had abandoned their kids. Teen Center staff found relatives who would help the children, and then the team helped "P" get his life back on track. As a result, he has just finished his first term in junior college where he earned a 3.2 average.

Another program is The Gateway to College program at Durham Technical Community College serving youth 16 to 21 years old who have dropped out of high school. Students simultaneously accumulate high school and college credits, earning a high school diploma while progressing toward a college-level certificate, diploma, or degree. Caring instructors and a dedicated resource specialist provide individualized attention; transcript reviews and academic advising; personal guidance and support; assistance with problem solving, time management and stress management; information and referrals for additional resources (e.g., tutoring, counseling, activities, or health services).

To be eligible for The Gateway to College, you must live in Durham and you must have dropped out of a Durham high school. You must be between the ages of 16 and 20; read at the eighth-grade level or higher; be behind in high school credits for age and grade; and be able to complete the requirements for a high school diploma by age 22. But most of all, you must have a desire to earn a high school diploma and a college degree.

Students begin the first term taking classes in a small, supportive learning community. This small-group structure allows Gateway students to give and receive peer support when dealing with challenges and also sharing successes.

Students maintain constant contact with their resource specialist to ensure they have the resources and support they need to be successful in the program. All of the Durham Technical Community College resources are available to Gateway participants because they are enrolled as regular college students.