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Apply to be a Breakthrough Student

Each year, Breakthrough admits a new class of students, rising 6th graders in Manor and Del Valle and rising 7th graders in Austin ISD. New students have their first Breakthrough experience at our cornerstone program, an academically rigorous Middle School Summer program held on the University of Texas at Austin Campus, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, and campuses in Manor and Del Valle ISD. 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 who serve as AmeriCorps members. With a 1:6 teacher-student ratio, our 3-pillar model, consisting of extended learning, comprehensive advising, and leadership experiences, helps younger students experience breakthroughs in academics and confidence while the older students discover potential as educators and leaders.

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Ricky Lefranc Pierantozzi, Breakthrough Graduate

“Like many of my peers, it feels like Breakthrough has always been part of my life. As a student, I experienced firsthand how life-changing the program can be. It wasn’t just a part of my journey: it was the journey that shaped my future.”

Read more of Ricky's story

RELIVE THE BENEFIT CONCERT

Thanks to the generosity of attendees, we had a night of remarkable giving! Together, we exceeded our event night matching gift challenge of $75,000, made possible by Christie & Clinton Bybee and the O’Shaughnessy-Rivers Family Fund, and even surpassed our stretch goal—raising $109,106!

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BECOME A SUMMER 2025 TEACHING FELLOW

We’re currently seeking more than 140 motivated individuals to teach and mentor hundreds of middle school students during our Middle School Summer Academy. The Teaching Fellow program offers young adults (ages 17-26) a unique opportunity to develop their leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills, while gaining invaluable hands-on experience in education.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Nyja Harris, Huston-Tillotson University

“When people ask me about my Breakthrough experience, I put it simply: Breakthrough shows up. They show up every day, every week, every month, every year. They are like those superhero movies with heroes in costumes walking in slow motion, but they aren’t going to fight some pretend villain. They are real people who show up to help real people like me.”

Meet Nyja

BREAKTHROUGH BEHIND THE SCENES

Join us on December 13 to learn about our innovative, long-term approach to creating first-generation college graduates, meet alumni and program leadership, and hear about ways to make a difference for our Breakthrough students and community.

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Breakthrough is the leading college access and success nonprofit in Central Texas.

For more than 20 years, we have partnered with thousands of middle and high school students who aspire to be the first in their family to graduate with a degree or certificate. We make a radical, long-term commitment to students, to and through college, unlocking the power of education and a lifetime of opportunity. We support the whole student with personalized services, work closely with community partners, campuses, and employers, and advocate for our students with lawmakers.

Nearly 60% of Breakthrough students graduate with a diploma or certificate, compared to 15% of high school graduates from low-income communities in our region.

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My Breakthrough Experience: Nyja Harris

I’ve persevered through so many challenges, with the goal of being the first of my family to graduate with a college degree and to build a comfortable life, and Breakthrough was there with me every step of the way. When people ask me about my Breakthrough experience,...
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Recap of the 2024 Breakthrough Benefit Concert!

We're still soaking in the memories from last week's Breakthrough Benefit Concert, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas! It was a night to remember, with Kendra Strange, our Chief Schools Officer, emceeing, remarks by Executive Director Michael Griffith,...
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Spotlight: ABJ Women in Business Awards Finalist

A native Austinite and fierce advocate for aspiring first-generation college graduates like herself, Christina became involved with Breakthrough Central Texas in 2014. Her involvement with the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce connected her directly to local communities impacted by the organization, and the organization’s mission of helping students realize postsecondary success so deeply resonated that Christina quickly became a champion for Breakthrough students.

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Spotlight: ABJ Women in Business Awards Finalists

Revlynn Lawson is a Breakthrough Central Texas supporter and board member, and as a first-generation graduate herself is deeply tied to our mission of helping students become the first in their family to earn a college degree. As we grow and expand, we identified a need for individuals with policy making experience, and as an advocate who lobbies for education, Revlynn has been a perfect fit at Breakthrough Central Texas.

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ABJ Women in Business Awards Nominee: Aileene Rosales

Aileene Rosales began her long-term journey with Breakthrough Central Texas 15 years ago, in 2009, not as an employee as a sixth-grade student curious about what it would take to become the first person in her family to graduate college.

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Breakthrough Advocates and Long-time Supporters Honored as outstanding Philanthropic Foundation of the Year

Breakthrough Advocate and Long-time Supporter Honored as Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation of the Year by Greater Austin's Association of Fundraising Professionals The Michael and Alice Kuhn FoundationBreakthrough is excited to announce that the Michael and Alice...
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UPCOMING EVENTS

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