Become A Student

Breakthrough is an exciting and challenging journey that begins in middle school and continues into college.

Key Characteristics of a Breakthrough Student

Breakthrough students are amazing! They like to work hard and have fun. They are highly motivated and pursue big dreams. The following characteristics typically describe Breakthrough students:

Will be first-generation college graduates:

Their parents have not completed a degree from a four-year college or university in the United States.

Are motivated to learn, work hard in school, and achieve success in school:

They frequently go above and beyond what is expected.
They love to learn.
They maintain good grades.
They look for assistance in reaching goals.
They have a positive and respectful attitude toward teachers, peers, and self.
They have consistent attendance in school.

Willing and able to make a long-term commitment to Breakthrough:

They will consistently attend Breakthrough workshops, events, and all Summer Program dates.
They will communicate any challenges, successes, or needs promptly and clearly to Breakthrough staff.
They are excited about being a partner with Breakthrough throughout high school and college.

HOW TO APPLY AS A SIXTH GRADER ATTENDING A SCHOOL WITHIN THE AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (AUSTIN ISD):

Breakthrough admits a new class of sixth grade students from Austin ISD each spring and makes a commitment to help them graduate from high school, enter college and become the first in their families to graduate from college.  2012 applications are now available.

To apply:

  • STEP 1: Students complete an application (click the link to download).  The application also includes a brief parent section.  The 2012 application is due on February 1, 2012.
  • STEP 2: Submit your completed application via mail or in person to the Breakthrough office: ATTN: Cristian Villalobos, 1050 East 11th Street, Suite 350, Austin, TX 78702.
  • STEP 3: Breakthrough invites qualified students and parents to attend an interview session in February.
  • STEP 4: Breakthrough will mail acceptance letters in early May.

If you have questions, please contact Cristian Villalobos at 512-692-9444, ext. 20 or email him at cristian@breakthroughaustin.org.

HOW TO APPLY AS A FIFTH GRADER ATTENDING A SCHOOL WITHIN THE MANOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (MANOR ISD):

Breakthrough admits a new class of fifth grade students from Manor ISD each spring and makes a commitment to help them graduate from high school, enter college and become the first in their families to graduate from college. 2012 applications are now available.

To apply:

  • STEP 1: Students complete an application (click the link to download).  The application also includes a brief parent section. Applications will be available at your school as well as online. The 2012 application is due on February 1, 2012.
  • STEP 2: Submit the completed application, including student and parent sections, to your elementary school or mail directly to the Breakthrough office: ATTN: Paulina Mason Murton, Breakthrough Austin, 1050 East 11th Street, Suite 350, Austin, TX 78702.
  • STEP 3 : Breakthrough invites qualified students and parents to attend an interview session in February.
  • STEP 4: Breakthrough will mail acceptance letters in early May.

If you have questions, please contact Paulina Mason Murton at 512-692-9444, ext. 21 or email her at paulina@breakthroughaustin.org.