Program recognized by Achieving the Dream for delivering measurable, trajectory-changing outcomes in a national network of college access programs
At a time when higher education is being called upon to prove its impact, Front Range Community College’s Gateway to College program has earned Achieving the Dream’s prestigious Program Excellence Award, distinguishing it as one of a select few programs nationwide to meet or exceed all four national benchmarks for student success:
- First-term GPA
- One-year persistence
- Two-year persistence
- Three-year high school graduation rate
Meeting all four benchmarks is more than an institutional milestone; it is a powerful signal that FRCC is delivering the outcomes community colleges are increasingly being held accountable for.
FRCC’s Gateway program has earned the excellence award for four consecutive years, demonstrating consistent success of the program and our students. These measures reflect not just enrollment, but sustained persistence, completion and forward momentum—clear evidence that the program is changing students’ lives and helping them progress toward meaningful credentials.
Leading at a Critical Moment: A Forward-Looking Vision
“Our Gateway to College results show that when we design systems around data, belonging and high expectations, students don’t just return—they accelerate,” said FRCC President Colleen Simpson, EdD. “At a time when higher education must demonstrate real, measurable outcomes, this work proves that community colleges can lead in closing equity gaps, driving completion and preparing the future workforce. Gateway is not just a successful program—it is a model for what scaled student success can and should look like.”
Gateway to College is a nationally recognized dropout recovery model that re-engages students ages 16 to 20, enabling them to earn a high school diploma while completing college credits. At FRCC, students—many entering with GPAs below 2.0—graduate within three years with an average of 27 college credits, positioning them for continued education, career pathways and long-term economic mobility.
Students are supported through a comprehensive, equity-centered model that includes tuition, books and an integrated system of advising, academic support and belonging—key drivers of persistence, completion and momentum.
Delivering Outcomes for Students, Defining the Future of Community Colleges
FRCC’s achievement reflects more than strong programming—it demonstrates a high-performing, data-informed model of student success that is redefining what is possible for community colleges nationwide.
By exceeding every benchmark, FRCC is not only re-engaging students—it is ensuring they persist, complete and build the momentum needed to transition successfully into the workforce or further education. This level of performance positions FRCC as a national leader within the Gateway to College network and signals a model that other institutions can look to as they work to meet rising expectations around equity, accountability and measurable impact.
This recognition is more than an award—it is validation of a trailblazing approach that is advancing the broader conversation around student success and proving that transformational outcomes are achievable at scale.
About Gateway to College
Gateway to College is part of the national Early College High School Initiative, originally funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The program is now part of Achieving the Dream, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing community college success and economic mobility.
About Front Range Community College
FRCC is Colorado’s largest community college, serving more than 27,000 students each year. With courses offered at multiple locations, online and through our high school concurrent enrollment programs, at FRCC, learners can choose from more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of fields. For more information, visit frontrange.edu.
The college’s strategic plan, Forward, Together, focuses on five strategic priorities:
- Learning Without Limits
- Success for Every Learner
- Vibrant Culture
- College Excellence
- Transformational Partnerships
FRCC is proud to be part of the Colorado Community College System, advancing educational access and workforce development across the state.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) CCCS comprises 13 colleges and more than 35 locations, serving over 124,000 students annually. Together, its colleges play a vital role in delivering workforce-aligned education, expanding economic mobility, and serving as the first and best path to opportunity for Coloradans of all backgrounds.
