Anchor Initiative
Participate in a two-year, cohort-based learning model and scholarship program prioritizing small class sizes, individualized academic coaching and skill development. A directive of the Falcone Center for Teaching and Learning, the Anchor Initiative at Gordon College serves students who have not yet achieved their full academic potential in prior educational experiences.
Cohort Model
Students receive support from a peer mentor, subject-specific tutoring and individual plans of study tailored to their needs and interests. The cohort model helps Anchor students develop community and build teamwork skills. Students engage in goal-setting and self-assessment exercises, which encourage them to fully engage in the collegiate learning process and helps 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 the two-year program, Anchor Initiative students will 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 at the conclusion of their second year receive recognition for their achievement through the awarding of the Anchor Fellowship. This scholarship given for each of their two remaining years at Gordon helps support continued success. Students may also serve as a paid Peer Mentor within the program upon completion.
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 twelve credits per semester for each of their first two semesters at Gordon College. In the second year, students may enroll in up to sixteen 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 the first semester will be placed on academic probation. Should a student fail a program course requirement, the opportunity will be provided to retake the course if all other requirements are met. Should a requirement not be met for two consecutive semesters, the student will lose their place in the program.
Apply to the Anchor Initiative
Any student with a high school or transfer grade point average between 2.0-2.7 will be automatically considered for the Anchor Initiative upon applying to Gordon College.
The deadline for admission into the program is flexible, but applicants are encouraged to apply to Gordon 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 arrival at 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 is welcome to apply for the Anchor Initiative. Gordon College Admissions will forward completed applications to the program director for consideration. - Can student athletes participate in the Anchor Initiative?
Yes, student athletes may fully participate as members of the Anchor Initiative. We know that continuing athletic involvement at Gordon will be one of the most meaningful aspects of the collegiate experience for our student athletes. The Anchor Initiative provides all-around support through connection between 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.