Gateway STEM High School received national recognition for its work to increase the number of high school seniors applying to college through the Apply Missouri program.
The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) awarded Gateway STEM High School and Missouri College Advising Corps (MCAC) Adviser Arifa Klokic with the 2022 American College Application Campaign School of Excellence Award on Friday, April 28, 2023, during a school assembly.
“Gateway STEM High School stood out this year for its commitment to its students’ success with the highest number of seniors submitting applications for college with a class size of more than 100. That commitment to helping students navigate the process of applying for college is an example of dedication to student success,” said Dr. Bennett Boggs, commissioner of higher education. “Many students need extra support to help them find their best fit for college, and to actually guide them through the application process.”
The American College Application Campaign (ACAC), which is part of ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning, selected Gateway STEM High School based on three criteria:
its commitment to student success;
for serving as an exemplary model within the state’s college application campaign; and
for timely submission of data.
ACAC Director Lisa King said, “Many students find the college-going process stressful, overwhelming, or confusing and don't know how to ask for help. Because of high schools like Gateway STEM, students receive the support they need to break down the steps for applying to college and are set on a path to success.”
Apply Missouri is one of three Journey to College programs designed to help students plan and pay for college.
For more information on Apply Missouri, visit journeytocollege.mo.gov or dhewd.mo.gov.