Anchor Initiative
As part of the Falcone Center for Teaching and Learning, Gordon College's Anchor Initiative serves students who haven't yet achieved their full academic potential in prior educational experiences. Join our two-year, cohort-based learning model and scholarship program that prioritizes small class sizes, individualized academic coaching, and skill development.
Cohort Model
Students in Gordon College's Anchor Initiative receive support from a peer mentor, subject-specific tutoring, and individual plans of study tailored to their needs and interests. Our cohort model helps Anchor students develop community and build teamwork skills. Through goal-setting and self-assessment exercises, students are encouraged to fully engage in the collegiate learning process and lay the groundwork for career planning.
Develop the skills to thrive
Students who participate in the Anchor Initiative are provided with additional resources, including tutoring, peer mentorship, individualized plans of study, and instructional coaches—at no additional cost. Each Anchor Initiative cohort benefits from group activities, excursions, professional development, and team-building activities, in addition to being placed into dedicated academic courses designed to accelerate learning.
Over the course of this two-year program, Anchor Initiative students develop skills that will serve them in their classes short-term and in their career long-term.
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organization
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time management
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critical thinking
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problem solving
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leadership
Anchor Fellowship & Scholarship
Students who complete the Anchor Initiative's two-year program receive recognition for their achievement through the Anchor Fellowship. This scholarship is given for each of the student's two remaining years at Gordon helping support their continued success. Anchor students may also serve as a paid Peer Mentors upon completion of the program.
Faculty
Nationally recognized, personally focused
Led by veteran educators and utilizing a wholistic approach to student care, the Anchor Initiative helps students successfully begin their college journeys.
From a student
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Peer Mentor for the Anchor Initiative. Through this program, I’ve watched my peers come into their own—not only as they navigate a new academic journey, but also as they discover more of who they are and what it means to belong in a collegiate space. Each week, building relationships with them and hearing how God is working in their lives brings me so much joy. I believe that education has the power to transform—transforming self and soul, and in turn, entire communities. My hope is that the Anchor Initiative continues to bring more Gordon students to this starting point of believing in themselves."
— Gabriela Smith '27 Anchor Initiative Peer Mentor
Program Requirements
- Students may enroll for up to 12 credits per semester for each of their first two semesters at Gordon College. In their second year, students may enroll in up to 16 credits per semester—or more with permission of the Program Director.
- Reserved sections of the following must be passed with a C or better within the first year:
GEN 175 Applications of Learning Theory
COR 107 The Great Conversation: Foundations in Thinking, Reading and Writing - Students must maintain academic good standing, meet regularly with their Academic Success Coach, and adhere to the Gordon College Life and Conduct and Academic Dishonesty policies to retain their place in the program. Students who earn below an institutional cumulative 2.0 GPA their first semester will be placed on academic probation. Should a student fail a program course requirement, an opportunity to retake the course will be provided if all other requirements are met. Should a requirement not be met for two consecutive semesters, the student will lose their place in the Anchor Initiative.
Apply to the Anchor Initiative
Any student with a high school or transfer grade point average between 2.0-2.7 GPA will be automatically considered for the Anchor Initiative upon applying to Gordon College.
The deadline for admission into Anchor is flexible, but applicants are encouraged to apply to Gordon College as soon as possible to reserve a place in the program. Accepted students will be notified through an admissions letter and provided with resources to facilitate a smooth transition to Gordon College.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible for the Anchor Initiative at Gordon College?
Any student with a high school or transfer grade point average between 2.0-2.7 GPA is welcome to apply for the Anchor Initiative. The Office of Admissions will forward completed applications to the Anchor's program director for consideration. - Can student athletes participate in the Anchor Initiative?
Yes! Student athletes are welcome to participate as members of the Anchor Initiative. We know that continuing athletic involvement at Gordon can be one of the most meaningful aspects of the collegiate experience for our student athletes. The Anchor Initiative provides all-around support through connections with coaching staff and academic services. We are happy to connect students to coaches in their area and provide peer mentorship from current Gordon College student athletes to help navigate the journey.