College Gateway was established in 2006 to support individuals transitioning back into their communities by reducing recidivism through education. The program provides a pathway to higher education while supporting participants in becoming engaged, contributing members of their communities.
Gateway is both a curriculum and a support system designed to help students use their existing strengths and develop new skills so they can become successful contributors to their families, workplaces, and communities.
Through academic preparation, personal development, and career exploration, the program helps students build confidence, set goals, and transition into college or the workforce.
The Gateway Program includes three core courses that prepare students for academic and professional success.
The program consists of 3 courses:
Examines theories and practices associated with successful learning to enhance college success. Recommended for new and returning students, this course study areas including education and career planning, effective communication, personal management, critical and creative thinking, development of community and awareness of diversity, leadership, and techniques for successful academic performance.
Develops key life disciplines (e.g. goal-setting, persistence) that are essential for success in school, business, and life through the transformative power of preparing for a significant challenge. Skills are acquired in class and in actual real-life conditions. By providing the student with supportive coaching and the accountability of teammates, students will acquire and apply the skills to overcome barriers, resulting in mental toughness that is essential for professional and personal achievement.
Assists students in recognizing their career potential and provides tools for making realistic decisions concerning educational and occupational objectives.
After completing the Gateway Program, students can pursue any of RRCC’s 300+ programs and classes, including certificates, workforce training, and degree programs.
Financial aid and grants may be available for students who qualify.
The Gateway Program welcomes individuals who are committed to personal growth, education, and building a better future.
Application Process
1. Complete the Gateway Intake Form online or visit our office on the second floor of Red Rocks Community College to meet with a member of our team and learn more about the program.
2. A Gateway staff member will contact you to schedule an in-person intake meeting and welcome you to the Gateway community.
3. Meet with a program advisor to discuss your goals and determine eligibility.
4. If accepted, you will receive guidance on enrollment and course registration.
My name is Carlos Robles; I am 30 years old, and I am a part of the gateway program. Growing up I got myself into some trouble, and after doing time in prison, I met my wife and knew that I wanted to do more with my life. I signed up for college at Red Rocks Community College and at the same time signed up for the Gateway program. After completing the program, I started to work for the Gateway office as a work-study employee. I did this because I believe in the program and how it stops people with a troubled past to be able to go to college to make a better life for themselves. The Gateway program has done that for me; I have one more semester of school, and I will have my associate’s degree. I truly believe that part of my success in school is because of Gateway!
By the time I had been introduced to the Gateway Program, I was completely lost, hurt, angry and absolutely fed up with everyone and everything. I was stuck in a vicious cycle of drug abuse, toxic relationships, and unhealthy choices. The Gateway classes that were offered helped me change my way of thinking and even heavily influenced my positive behavior and choices going forward. I walked in these doors as a victim and walked out a conqueror with amazing strength and confidence. I have continued to soar in my academic career and personal life goals. I would most definitely say that Gateway found me not the other way around. I’m so glad and thankful for walking in the doors of Gateway that day, I truly believe I was brought to the right place at the right time for exactly the right reasons.
By the time I was introduced to the Gateway Program, I felt completely lost—hurt, angry, and exhausted by everything around me. I was caught in a cycle of drug abuse, toxic relationships, and unhealthy choices. The Gateway classes helped me shift my mindset and strongly influenced the positive behaviors and decisions I make today. I walked through those doors feeling like a victim, but I walked out feeling like a conqueror—with strength, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Since then, I have continued to grow in my academic journey and personal goals. Looking back, I truly believe Gateway found me, not the other way around. I am deeply grateful that I walked through those doors that day. It was the right place at exactly the right time for the right reasons.
Gateway connects students with organizations that support housing, employment, health, and reentry success.
Saint Francis Center
2323 Curtis St.
Denver, CO 80205
Phone: 303-298-8686
Website: sfcdenver.org
Services include employment counseling, showers, clothing and food bank, storage, mailbox services, nursing support, notary services, and shelter listings.
Doing His Time
2015 Glenarm Pl.
Denver, CO 80205
Phone: 303-292-2481
Website: doinghistime.org
Second Chance Center
1391 Delaware St.
Denver, CO 80204
Phone: 303-537-5838
Email: info@scccolorado.org
Provides reentry services, employment assistance, and community support.
United Way 2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1 to access assistance with:
- Housing and emergency shelter
- Utility and rental assistance
- Food and clothing banks
- Mental health services
- GED and ESL classes
- Medical clinics and prescription assistance
- Legal aid and support groups
Lifeline Free Phone Program
Eligible individuals may qualify for a free government cell phone and monthly service.
Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition
Housing Resource Guide
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
2111 Champa Street
Denver, CO 80204
Phone: 303-293-2217
Website: coloradocoalition.org
Step Denver (formerly Step 13)
2029 Larimer Street
Denver, CO 80205
Phone: 303-295-7837
Website: stepdenver.org
Transitional housing program for men.
Urban Peak Denver
1630 S. Acoma St.
Denver, CO 80223
Phone: 303-974-2908
Website: urbanpeak.org
Emergency shelter for youth ages 15–21 experiencing homelessness.
Jeffco Action Center – Pathways to Self-Sufficiency
Website: theactioncenterco.org
Provides food assistance, housing stability support, and financial coaching for Jefferson County residents.
These books are powerful reflections on resilience, purpose, and personal transformation.
- Never Going Back: 7 Steps to Staying Out of Prison
by Hassan Latif - Man’s Search for Meaning
by Viktor Frankl