Giving individuals across the Fort Dodge Community School District another chance to finish their educational experience is at the heart of the new Gateway Program.

“Conversations about this began in the spring of 2025,” district Superintendent Josh Porter said. “Our dropout rates haven’t been where we want them to be. We knew we needed to create a different kind of support system — one that recognizes every student’s story is different and provides a pathway that fits their needs.”

The program is designed for students ages 17-21 who have left the traditional high school setting and are significantly credit-deficient. The district created the program to offer a flexible route toward earning a diploma through successful completion of the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test).

According to the program handbook, the mission is to provide an additional flexible, supportive pathway to graduation for students who are not progressing through traditional or alternative routes. By removing the pressures of the larger institution, the program re-engages learners, improves outcomes, and graduates students who have an opportunity to earn a living wage.

“Our responsibility doesn’t end when a student walks out the door,” Porter said. “We believe in second chances. We believe in meeting students where they are. This program is about enhancing their level of education and expanding their opportunities.”

As outlined in the handbook, the program is to provide students an opportunity to re-engage in education, rediscover their purpose, and reimagine themselves and their futures through individualized instruction, accountability, and encouragement.

Allison Dencklau, Gateway Program coordinator, has been in place since fall 2025 preparing for the spring launch. Working alongside Curriculum Director Teri Boezinger, Dencklau has been building systems focused on personalized instruction and readiness for the five HiSET subject areas: reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

“Allison’s main charge is to get students ready for the HiSET exams,” Boezinger said. “It’s more than just test prep. It’s about individualized support. We know everyone’s needs are different, so focusing on one subject at a time allows students to build confidence and momentum.”

Students are expected to engage in four to six hours per week, typically attending two to three sessions lasting two to three hours each. The flexible structure allows students to schedule sessions in the morning or afternoon, creating room for employment or other responsibilities.

“It would be great if we could have a morning learning session and then connect students to work-based opportunities in the afternoon,” Boezinger added. “There are a lot of possibilities.”

Upon passing all five HiSET subtests — along with meeting additional district requirements — students will earn a Fort Dodge Community School District diploma and be recognized in an annual completion ceremony.

“We feel like we have a responsibility to members of our community,” Porter said. “There are tremendous benefits to earning a diploma — in the workforce, in the military, in post-secondary education. This is about restoring confidence and opening doors.”

Dencklau emphasized that the Gateway Program is built around support and re-engagement.

“If a student struggles with attendance or life circumstances create barriers, we don’t give up,” she said. “We have a re-engagement plan. This is meant to be flexible and supportive.”

Porter encourages families and former students to reach out.

“If you are a student who left school early, or you know someone who did, we want you here,” he said. “This is about opportunity and hope. We want to make sure every Dodger has a path forward.”

For more information about the Gateway Program, contact the Fort Dodge Community School District at 515-955-1770 or visit www.fdschools.org.