Our Program
Breakthrough equips our students with the tools necessary to navigate the many and complex steps to and through college.
Beginning in middle school, Breakthrough addresses fundamental gaps in students’ skills and resources by providing academic enrichment, mentoring, family involvement, leadership and service, test preparation, and clear information on navigating school bureaucracy, financial aid, and the college admissions process.
Key programs and services include:
Summer Programs
Our cornerstone program is the five- to six-week academically rigorous Summer Program. The programs are held on the University of Texas at Austin campus and Manor New Tech High School campus. The middle school Summer Program helps combat summer learning loss, a leading contributor to the achievement gap. Teachers are exceptional and diverse high school and college students. With a 1:5 teacher-student ratio, our model helps younger students experience breakthroughs in academics and confidence while the older students discover potential as educators and leaders. Tenth graders attend a two-week summer institute focusing on school success habits, leadership skills, and college and career exploration. High school juniors and seniors also participate in productive summer activities geared toward their needs and interests.
Case Management
Working year round, Breakthrough shepherds the critical relationship between students, parents, schools, and community from middle school through high school graduation. Breakthrough staff members fill gaps and find resources to make college possible. We work over the long term to meet the needs of the whole child – academic, social, physical, and emotional – to ensure that he or she remains on the path to college.
School-Year Support and Advocacy
Breakthrough closely monitors every student’s school progress and intervenes when necessary to ensure academic success. We work with students, parents, and campus staff to assess needs. We leverage tutors, mentors, and school and community services to meet each student’s needs.
Saturday and After-School Programming
In order to keep students engaged and academically focused, Breakthrough offers Saturday and after-school programming. Students participate in project-based academic activities and community service while learning valuable skills.
High School Placement and Transition
We encourage our students to apply to college-preparatory high schools and further support them to ensure rigorous course selection, providing information about high school programs, services, and requirements along the way.
College Exploration, Preparation, and Guidance
Students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade visit colleges, attend college fairs, receive SAT/ACT preparation and registration support, and begin guided scholarship searches. Our 12th graders receive individualized support as they apply to college and complete financial aid paperwork. We guide students and families through the entire process, every step of the way.
College Persistence Support
Breakthrough helps students transition successfully to and navigate through their college years so that they become college graduates.