SBCSS News and Press Releases

Gateway Program Receives National Recognition

2012-06-26

SAN BERNARDINO - The Gateway program, a collaborative partnership between the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and County Probation Department, will receive a national award in July for its achievements.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) will present the program with its Achievement Award at its conference on July 15 in Pennsylvania.

"I am so pleased that the Gateway program is receiving this national acclaim," County Superintendent Gary Thomas said. "It is making a difference in the lives of troubled youth, who are using education to make positive changes in their lives."

Gateway provides 24-hour supervision for male juveniles between the ages of 16-19. County Probation staffs and operates the program, while County Schools Juvenile Court Schools provides the teachers, paraeducators and a resource specialist to guide instruction for students

"The Gateway program leads the state in transforming the lives of our troubled youth through innovative collaborations with our service providers," said Scott Wyatt, County Schools' principal for juvenile court schools. "A huge part of our success is due to the dedication and high level of professionalism of our staff, as well as the motivation and efforts of our students."

The program also offers students employment preparation and placement through a partnership with the Department of Workforce Development. Students taking part in the program also are required to provide a minimum of 40 hours of community service.

County Schools' Regional Occupational Program provides participants with hands-on experience with classes in forestry, construction, landscape architecture, heavy equipment operation, contracting and surveying.

Students in the program also have access to medical assistance that includes counseling and crisis intervention.

Gateway is offered through the Central Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center, as well as the Regional Youth Educational Facility, both in San Bernardino.

For more information about the Gateway program, contact County Schools' Communications office at (909) 386-2413.