Gateway College and Career Academy (GCCA) Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering At-Risk Students
Gateway College and Career Academy (GCCA), an alternative high school located on the Riverside City College (RCC) campus, recently celebrated two decades of transforming the educational landscape for students facing significant challenges. Since its founding in 2004, GCCA has played a vital role in providing flexible, supportive, and career-focused education for at-risk students in Riverside County.
As an accredited Dashboard Alternative School Status (DASS) institution, GCCA has continued to make strides in helping students who were off-track to graduate by offering dual enrollment opportunities with RCC, career technical education (CTE) programs, and innovative learning models tailored to individual student needs.
GCCA has experienced significant growth, reflecting the increasing demand for its unique educational model. Enrollment surged from an all-time low of 85 students in Fall 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic to 430 students for the 2024-25 academic year. With a substantial waitlist, GCCA’s success underscored its effectiveness in reaching students who needed a more flexible and supportive environment. This year, the school graduated its largest class to date, with 122 students receiving their diplomas.
GCCA has consistently improved graduation rates by implementing hybrid, virtual, and in-person learning options. Over 90% of Gateway students were classified as at-risk by state definitions. Despite this, GCCA achieved remarkable graduation rates of 86% in 2022 and 76% in 2023, with an expected increase to 90% for 2024. These figures highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering academic success through personalized, student-centered approaches.
GCCA served a highly diverse student population, many of whom faced significant socio-economic and academic barriers. In 2024, 74% of students were identified as socioeconomically disadvantaged, 33% as English Language Learners (ELL), and 24% as students with disabilities. GCCA remained dedicated to equitable access, offering a range of educational pathways, including high school diplomas, college readiness programs, and CTE-focused career training.
To accommodate the complex needs of its students, GCCA pioneered hybrid and virtual learning models that enabled students to balance education with work, family responsibilities, and health challenges. The school integrated high school coursework with college-level classes, allowing students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. This blended approach enhanced post-secondary preparedness while providing students with valuable academic and professional opportunities.
Through its partnership with Riverside City College, GCCA ensured students had access to college-level courses, academic resources, and wraparound support services such as mental health counseling, tutoring, and family engagement initiatives. These partnerships reinforced GCCA’s mission to provide a holistic educational experience that prepared students for both college and career pathways.
As GCCA marked its 20th anniversary, the school hosted a celebratory gala to honor its history, recognize student achievements, and acknowledge the dedication of educators, partners, and community supporters. The event highlighted the academy’s impact over the past two decades and looked ahead to future initiatives that will continue to empower students to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
About Gateway College and Career Academy
Gateway College and Career Academy (GCCA) is an alternative high school located on the campus of Riverside City College. Established in 2004, GCCA provides flexible education pathways, dual enrollment, and career technical education to at-risk students. Through innovative programs and strong community partnerships, GCCA helps students achieve academic success and prepare for post-secondary education and career opportunities.