Durham Technical Community College received a $300,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation last week to work on a high school dropout recovery program.

The college will partner with Durham Public Schools for "Gateway to College." The program gives high school dropouts a second chance to complete their high school diploma while also earning college credits.

"A GED alone is not the best solution for younger high school dropouts," Durham Tech President Bill Ingram said in a release. "The Gateway to College initiative will allow us to provide these students with the academic and social support mechanisms they need to be successful, both in completing high school and in pursuing higher education opportunities."

The first two groups of students -- 25 in each -- will start at Durham Tech in August 2010. An additional 125 students will be accepted each subsequent year. Applicants will be selected through outreach and a two-day application and interview process.

The grant will help fund faculty, staff and other resources, according to the release.

"We want to provide every opportunity for students to be able to complete their high school education," said Carl Harris, Durham Public Schools superintendent. "This program provides a wonderful avenue for students to do so while also getting a start on college."

Founded at Portland Community College in 2000, the Gateway to College program has since been adopted at 23 colleges in 14 states. At least two additional colleges, including Durham Tech, will join the Gateway to College National Network this year.

Durham Tech is a natural fit for the program, said Laurel Dukehart, executive director of the network.

"It has dedicated significant resources and innovative teaching strategies to the benefit of students who have struggled in the past," Dukehart said. "Because of this commitment, and because it is well-aligned with the goals of the school district, we are confident that this will be a very successful program."