The primary purpose of the Gateway Program is to encourage low income and first generation, as well as other Walla Walla Community College students from diverse backgrounds, to pursue a liberal arts education at Whitman College.
To participate in the program, students must demonstrate the ability to meet the rigors of academic work at Whitman College. Students must submit an application to the Whitman Admission Committee and be approved by the committee for entrance into the program.
Participants enroll in one or two classes at Whitman College after their fourth quarter at Walla Walla Community College. These participants will then be considered for admission to Whitman College as full-time degree candidates after successful completion of their sophomore year. Participants complete a reduced class load at Walla Walla Community College while attending Whitman College during the trial period. The reduced load will be such that the participant will continue to receive financial aid at Walla Walla Community College. The courses at Whitman will apply to graduation requirements at both institutions and will be paid for by Whitman College.
If the Whitman Admission Committee finds the Gateway Program participant academically successful at both colleges, the participant will be given special consideration for admission to Whitman College as a regular degree-seeking transfer student under the provisions outlined in the operating agreement.