Gateway Technical College Foundation has surpassed its Gateway Promise program goal of $3 million, providing a way for students to reach their educational goals for many years into the future, officials announced this week.

 A total of $3.93 million was raised for the program over the past three years, most recently boosted by contributions from Michael Kopper and Michele Whitfield, as well as Otto and Beverly Tarnowski. A core group of leaders led the early efforts to raise funding, including SC Johnson and Fisk Johnson, Jim Hawkins and Kenall Manufacturing, Snap-on Incorporated, Follett Books, the Kenosha Area Business Alliance and the Gateway Technical College Foundation Board of Directors.

“Each of us have a responsibility to improve the lives of others. The Gateway Promise is a commitment our community has made in youth for generations – the promise of an affordable path to a college degree through Gateway Technical College,” said Gateway Technical College President and CEO Bryan Albrecht.

“It is humbling to know how much our donors believe in, and trust the mission of, Gateway to nurture the hopes and aspirations of youth and adults.”

The Gateway Promise program is an effort fill the gap between financial aid and the cost of tuition and fees so that eligible students can gain access to the life-changing impact of a college degree.

“Many people who have joined our team helped make this promise of the Gateway promise a reality for generations of our community,” said Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Charpentier. “That includes Gateway Foundation board members, volunteers, generous donors, Gateway faculty and staff, high school principals, counselors and teachers, community youth advocates – and, of course, our students.

“It is because of all of us working together, we have been successful. Thank you.”

Promise program students engage in academic support services which help them to succeed in their studies Nearly nine out of every 10 Promise student remained in college after their first semester – compared to a national average of five of every 10. In addition, several students who’ve received a Promise scholarship have already graduated Gateway and successfully entered their career.