Experience Breakthrough
BREAKTHROUGH BEHIND THE SCENES
Breakthrough Behind the Scenes is a quarterly series of conversations, hosted at our East Austin headquarters, where we pull back the curtain on our mission, featuring a different topic each quarter. You will 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.
MAY BEHIND THE SCENES:
COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MICHAEL GRIFFITH
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 9 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Breakthrough Office, 3100 E 5th St. Suite 375, Austin, TX 78702
This quarter’s special topic: Join us for our Breakthrough Behind the Scenes series with a conversation with Breakthrough Executive Director Michael Griffith. Learn more about the state of the organization, how we continue to innovate to meet the needs of our students and families, and ways you can get involved in 2026.
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EXPERIENCE BREAKTHROUGH THIS SUMMER
It’s an exciting time at Breakthrough! Hundreds of middle school students, high school students and college students are kicking off their summer learning with us every summer. Join us for one of our upcoming Experience Breakthrough events to witness the impact of your support and see our students and AmeriCorps Teaching Fellows in action. In this form you will be able to sign up for Visitors Day and to Volunteer with us this summer!
OBSERVE OUR PROGRAM
MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER ACADEMY VISITOR DAYS
The six-week, academically intensive summer program for middle school students is the cornerstone of Breakthrough’s program. During Visitors Days, community members are invited to observe our program in action, take a tour, and meet Breakthrough students and teaching fellows.
Wednesday, July 8 from 9:00–10:30 a.m. at UT Austin
Tuesday, July 14 from 9:00–10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School (Upper)
ENGAGE WITH OUR STUDENTS
HIGH SCHOOL EMERGING LEADERS
The Emerging Leaders program helps 10th grade students develop life skills that support their success in college and beyond. As part of this experience, students participate in a Postsecondary Pathways Pitch, where they explore and present a clear path from high school to a chosen career pathway—such as STEM, Business, or Health Sciences.
Working in teams, students research their pathway and deliver a polished pitch to a panel of volunteer judges. Volunteers will hear presentations, provide meaningful feedback, and help select a winning team based on a scoring rubric. Through their participation, volunteers play a key role in building students’ confidence, strengthening communication skills, and supporting career exploration. Training & Lunch provided for volunteers.