There exist many reasons why so many American high school students choose to drop out or wind up flunking out. Some kids have difficult problems to deal with at home, and others might get involved with the wrong crowd, both of which causes schoolwork to suffer. Either way, the cases are widespread, and the numbers staggering.

Gateway to College is a scholarship program designed to reengage students who have dropped out or are on the verge of dropping out of high school. This nonprofit organization was founded on the belief that everybody deserves a second chance and nobody should get left behind, especially when it comes to getting an education. Any individual between 16-20 years old who, for one reason or another, is out of school or close to dropping out is eligible to apply. All the organization asks is that the student is motivated and willing to make that long-term commitment given the opportunity.

Currently, the program operates in 27 colleges within 16 states, preparing those accepted into the program to become college students on the way to earning their high school diplomas. The students form groups of 20-25 called “learning communities” and take courses together that count as dual high school and college credits. Last week, it was announced that Gateway to College received $9 million from three leading foundations—the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the Kresge Foundation—to expand their programs.

A Gateway To College press release states that between 2005 and 2007, the average high school dropout earned $18,800 per year, while the average community college graduate earned over $34,500. Could you or someone you know benefit from this program?

Check out the program’s official website to see if Gateway to College operates in your area and find out how to apply.