Meet Our Students

In 2011, Breakthrough is serving nearly 500 students in grades 5 through 12, as well as our first four classes of high school graduates. Through our rigorous summer programs, year-round mentoring, academic guidance, and informative family workshops, Breakthrough helps bridge the gap in educational achievement between low-income and more affluent students.

Meet some of our students!

Lukas, College Student, Austin College

“The Summer Program at Breakthrough gave me the curiosity to learn. College was no longer an ambiguous thought but became a tangible goal.” -Lukas

Cinnamon, College Student, University of Houston

“My four years of high school were very rigorous…Breakthrough stepped in and pushed me to dig deep within my values to overcome these hardships. This proved to me that I can achieve my goals and I am college material…Even though there were times I lost faith in my studies and beliefs Breakthrough never lost faith in me.” – Cinnamon

Jasmin, College Student, Middlebury College

“I used to be amazingly shy. I couldn’t even correct people who mispronounced my name. But I distinctly remember having to stand on the big stage in Welch auditorium, as the director on the other side of the room urged me to speak ever louder and louder. Breakthrough literally helped me find my voice.” – Jasmin

Sheldon, 9th Grader, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

“Breakthrough has always provided an environment where I can think and work with people that can help me. They know where I want to end up, which is college.” – Sheldon

Esteban, 9th Grader, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

“The first time I heard about Breakthrough was in my 6^th grade science class…I could tell this was something I had to a part of. Some kids drag their heels when it comes to their education. Well I dragged my mother to meet with the Breakthrough team!” – Esteban

Alicia, College Student,Texas A&M – Corpus Christi

“For the first time in my life, there is always somebody asking me about my first day of school or if I’ve done my homework. When my college recommendations were due, I realized I didn’t have any stamps, let alone the money or a car to go buy them. I called Breakthrough and Andrea rushed stamps over to my house in the middle of a rain storm.” – Alicia

Aaron, 12th grader, Austin High School

“I would never have known this opportunity were out there for me if it were not for Breakthrough. I’ve never been on a plane or outside of Texas. I’m nervous and yet excited to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new and challenging.” – Aaron, on his acceptance into The School for Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL)