GATE Program
Your Pathway to Success!

Earn your GED and a vocational credential simultaneously in fields like health care, business, hospitality, or technology while you benefit from experienced instructors, hands-on training, and academic and career support.

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Is This Program For You?

The Florida Senate Committee on Postsecondary Education introduced and passed Senate Bill 7032, creating the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education (GATE) Program. This bill creates an alternative pathway to career credentials for students 16 to 21 years of age who have discontinued enrollment in traditional high school programs.

Students enrolled in the GATE Program are exempt from the payment of registration, tuition, laboratory, and examination fees. Additionally, instructional materials must be made available free of charge.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility
Requirements

  • Must be between the ages of 16 and 21
  • Must be Florida resident
  • Not have earned a standard high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma
  • Be concurrently enrolled in an Adult Secondary Education Program (GED) and a Career Education Program at a college, career center, or a charter technical career center
  • NRS Educational Functioning Levels: a minimum of a Level 3 or higher in Math, and a minimum of a Level 4 or higher in Reading
  • Be concurrently enrolled in an Adult Secondary Education Program (GED) and a Career Education Program at a college, career center, or a charter technical career center
  • Must score at NRS Educational Functioning Level 5 or 6
  • Have a Withdrawal Form for applicants, ages 16-17

    • Empower your future with CTE

    Empower your
    future with CTE

    While you prepare to get your GED High School diploma, you have access
    and support to complete any of the CTE certificates at no cost!

    While you prepare to get your GED High School diploma, you have access and support to complete any of the CTE certificates at no cost!

    The path starts with GED

    • Obtaining your GED opens the door to higher education, better job opportunities, and higher earning potential. It serves as a recognized equivalent to a high school diploma, providing you with the credentials needed to pursue college degrees, vocational training, and career advancement.
    • Your journey to success starts here!
    Online Admission Form

    Looking for more
    information?

    To obtain more information about the GATE Program please contact Miami Dade College by completing the form or calling the number below.

    • 305-237-8888
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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    The GATE Program stands for 'Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education (GATE) Program. It's designed to offer an alternative pathway to the workforce for students who may not complete traditional high school.

    To be eligible to participate in the GATE Program, the Adult Education student must:

    • Not have earned a standard high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma.
    • Be a Florida resident.
    • Be concurrently enrolled in an adult secondary education program and a career education program at a college, career center, or a charter technical career center.
    • Be between the ages of 16 and 21.
    • Have a Withdrawal Form* for applicants, ages 16-17.
    • Select a Career and Technical Education Pathway or Program.
    • Must score at NRS Educational Functioning Level 5 or 6
    • Withdrawal Document: When a student reaches 16 years of age, he/she is no longer required to attend school if he/she files the required formal declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment with the school district and the declaration is signed by the parent. The declaration must acknowledge that leaving school will likely reduce the student's earning potential. The school district is required to notify the child's parent or legal guardian that the student has filed a declaration of intent to leave school.

    The GATE Program provides opportunities for students to gain career and technical education outside of the traditional high school setting. This expands access by offering alternative pathways for students who may not thrive in traditional academic environments.

    Some benefits include providing practical skills training, fostering career readiness, and offering opportunities for students to enter the workforce directly after completing the program. Additionally, it helps to address the needs of students who may not excel in traditional academic settings but thrive in hands-on learning environments.

    You can take the computer-based test at any Miami Dade College Campuses.

    Students enrolled in the GATE Program are exempt from the payment of registration, tuition, laboratory, and examination fees. Additionally, instructional materials are available free of charge.

    Your diploma will have the words State of Florida and High School Diploma on it. It is just as valid as the diplomas given at any state high school.

    Low TABE scores shouldn't stop you from seeking your GED. MDC has specific courses in the Adult Education department which can help you get to the 9.0 level that is necessary for the GED courses.

    Yes. Home-study students must comply with the same requirements as students who are no longer attending Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

    Classes are available during the morning and evening.

    Students enrolled in the GATE Program are exempt from the payment of registration, tuition, laboratory, and examination fees. Additionally, instructional materials are available free of charge.

    The GED preparation program allows students to work at their own pace. Each student enters at a different level and dedicates varying amounts of time to studying for the GED. In order to remain enrolled, students must meet the program attendance requirement. Regular attendance in the GED Lab will allow a student to complete the program faster. When a student feels he/she is ready to take the exam, a practice test is highly recommended. The practice test has been shown to be a very good predictor of a student's score on the test. If the score on this practice test shows the student is ready, GED staff will assist the student in registering for the GED Exam.

    All GED learning materials are in the classroom. There is no questionbook required. However, if you want to study at home, please discuss this with the instructor.

    Classes are also available online.