The Racine and Kenosha vocational schools were partners for much of their histories – both provided the same service to heavily industrial cities in southeastern Wisconsin, both were operated by the state of Wisconsin. Together, they became the first vocational schools to offer nursing courses in 1949, and both began offering two-year associate degrees in 1959. In 1971, the Wisconsin Technical College System merged these school systems together to form what was designated District 6. The newly formed system was named the Tri-County Technical Institute. It became Gateway Technical Institute the following year. The current name, Gateway Technical College, was given in 1987, as part of a statewide change. Since the 1990s, Gateway has continually expanded both its enrollment and facilities, and has placed a focus on smaller educational centers that are separate from the major campuses. Today, Gateway has over 25,000 students, 6,000 of whom attend school full-time.