Under the guidance of seasoned teaching professionals, Americorps Summer Teaching Fellows teach English, math, social studies, or science to classes of ten to twelve middle school students. This summer experience is more summer camp than summer school, designed to make learning meaningful and fun!
“What started as an obligation turned into something I looked forward to every summer,” – Jocelyn, a Breakthrough Student and 2025 AmeriCorps Summer Teaching Fellow.
During National Mentorship Month, we are reminded of how transformative our work can be. Students enter our program uncertain of its purpose, leave not wanting it to end, and, by the time they are high school graduates, some even return as Summer Teaching Fellows, just like Jocelyn. This past summer, 35% of our Teaching Fellows were also Breakthrough students!
“My love for the Breakthrough program and community has brought me here. This summer is my first year as a Teaching Fellow, and I am beyond amazed by the impact Breakthrough continues to bring. This summer, I have gotten the opportunity to witness how much students are growing academically and as students… Knowing that I am a part of these students’ summer and helping start their journeys fills me with joy.”
Student and Jocelyn
“Many of the teachers (AmeriCorps Teaching Fellows) tell us that they were students in this program and that the program helped them a lot in getting an internship and getting into college.” – Student
Being a Summer Teaching Fellow is the first impression our students receive here at Breakthrough and shapes their educational journey. Fellows create trust for our entire organization, leading students to be eager to learn, determined to achieve their postsecondary goals, and open to the many possibilities their futures offer.
Jocelyn is now in her first year at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a major in Public Health. Although her path after graduation remains uncertain, Jocelyn hopes to use her education to give back to her community.
“Breakthrough is here to not only help build your path towards college but also empower young students to take action in what they are most passionate about.”
Be a part of this great community and apply to become an AmeriCorps Summer Teaching Fellow by February 26th, 2026. You’ll experience firsthand the impact you have on the personal growth of middle school-age students.