South Sioux City Community School's Gateway to Learning Program will utilize the College Center's facility, supporting student success and enhancing program offerings.
A new location and partnership were recently announced for the South Sioux City Community School’s Gateway to Learning (GTL) Program.
The GTL program, which is an alternative high school designed to support students who may feel challenges in a traditional setting, will partner the South Sioux City program with Northeast Community College and Wayne State College in their shared College Center at 1001 College Way.
The new arrangement was announced at a press conference following the Northeast Community College’s Board of Governors’ meeting on June 12 in South Sioux City.
The agreement, which was approved earlier in the day by the Northeast board, has also been approved by the South Sioux City School Board and the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees.
Dr. Rony Ortega, South Sioux City Community Schools superintendent, said he was looking forward to continuing collaboration with Northeast and Wayne State as this exciting project moves forward.
“The project not only supports student success but also positions the program as a destination that inspires possibility and purpose for more South Sioux City High School students,” Ortega said.
The existing GTL program is located at 1000 W. 29th Street in South Sioux City. At the College Center, it will be housed in five rooms and a corridor, providing more than 3,700 square feet.
Dr. Leah Barrett, president of Northeast, and Dr. Marysz Rames, president of Wayne State College, said the new arrangement will enhance the existing offerings for their programs.
Barrett said while the arrangement of the GTL Program partnering with colleges might seem like a new concept, this type of partnership has been implemented before.
“Welcoming the GTL program to the College Center is a great step to building pathways to higher education for young people who may not have been college bound,” Barrett said. “The students will have the benefit of stepping into a college facility every day for high school classes as well as multiple opportunities to participate in dual enrollment courses from Northeast and Wayne State.”
Just like many students enroll in early college or dual credit courses, this agreement enables GTL students to take advantage of those benefits. Such programs allow high school students to earn college credits while in high school.
“Creative partnerships like this benefit our students and our communities,” Barrett said.
Dr. Janet Lebeda, director of strategic initiatives and special projects at Wayne State, said the partnership between South Sioux City Schools, Northeast Community College, and Wayne State College represents a powerful alignment of goals.
“At Wayne State College, we believe that education should inspire minds, strengthen communities, and serve the needs of both the individuals and the region we call home. This partnership is a perfect example of how that mission comes to life – by removing barriers, aligning resources, and meeting students where they are,” said Lebeda.
“The space we stand in today is more than a shared building,” continued Lebeda. “It represents a gateway to opportunity for every student. And it’s where the idea of a seamless, affordable, and accessible education becomes a reality. It will bring high school students, community college learners, and four-year degree seekers all under one roof — creating a pathway not only to diplomas and degrees, but to meaningful careers and lifelong learning.”
Lebeda noted that the project has been a total team effort by everyone involved.
“Thank you to our partners for coming together to make this possible,” said Lebeda. “We are grateful for the collaboration, trust, and shared purpose that brought us here.
Together, we are not just sharing space – we are creating a pathway to growth, opportunity, and lasting impact.”