Gateway Technical College has been named a Voter Friendly Campus for its work to encourage students to vote and facilitate voter engagement and education on campus.

Gateway is one of 258 colleges from 38 states nationwide to receive this designation by NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project.

The Voter Friendly Campus program is designed to help institutions address the challenges “that prevent college students from participating in the political process and foster a culture of democratic engagement on their campuses, including in years without a national election. This designation recognizes college and university campuses that have committed to voter registration, education and turnout as part of their institutional mission.”

“People from offices across the college and throughout the district worked together to build and execute our voter action plan,” said Sarah Marbes, Gateway Impact program coordinator.

“Through events and outreach, Gateway provided nonpartisan voter education to help students recognize their civic power and make their voices heard.”

The group noted that Gateway helped students understand how to vote on election day, vote early in person or by mail. The college used a number of ways to reach students, both online and in person.

“Higher education continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding our democracy. The campuses on this year's designee list are at the forefront of this important work,” said Kevin Kruger, NASPA president. “This accomplishment is due to the hard work of student affairs professionals, students, and faculty partners from across the country, to whom we express our congratulations and gratitude.”

The designation is valid through December 2024.