​​​ The Gateway to College program, a partnership between Saint Paul Public Schools and Saint Paul College, announced two additional students received the prestigious Gateway Compass Award: Rubi Tzanahua and Cemina Blessing. This award, and accompanying $500 scholarship, is awarded to students who exhibit strong qualities in four key areas: attendance, hard work, accountability, and growth.

Rubi Tzanahua

Rubi Tzanahua enrolled at Gateway to College during her junior year in High School because the flexible schedule fits better with her demanding work schedule. She recently completed her Certified Nursing Assistant program and now works as a Nursing Assistant for CareAparent out of Woodbury. Rubi appreciates how Saint Paul College teachers are always there for her, including strong communications with timely texts, which would help her with a range of questions during her studies. She loves the small-school, friendly atmosphere within an urban setting where students from many backgrounds can thrive at a welcoming campus.

Cemina Blessing

Cemina Blessing has been part of Gateway to College for the past five years. She is grateful for the tremendous support by the program during her challenges, including drug usage and the loss of her mother. Despite these setbacks, Cemina has persisted and has completed her Certified Nursing Assistant program and taking classes in Entrepreneurship. Cemina is now clean and taking a summer marketing internship where she is helping her company strategize best uses for various social media platforms. Following this internship, she is excited to start her own business, “SPO Eccentric," including skin and hair products, clothing, and health care services.

Gateway to College is an opportunity for High School students to finish High School while also earning college credits. In 2018, the Saint Paul Gateway to College program received the National Network Gateway Graduation Achievement Award for exceeding the national graduation benchmark. Another Saint Paul College student who received this honor earlier in 2021, Justin Nsabiganje, was featured in an earlier story, “Overcoming Obstacles on the Road to Success."