Our Approach
Our Core Beliefs
We believe all children should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing power of a college degree.
We believe deep rooted, systemic racism and income inequities create barriers to college degree attainment for students of color, students from low-income communities and students who will be the first in their families to earn a college degree.
We believe supporting all students to realize their educational potential can be a disruptor of our region’s current racial and economic disparities.
We believe the path towards increasing educational equity in our region is through culturally responsive interventions provided in the context of trusting relationships.
Why We Exist
All children should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing power of a college degree, as educational opportunities beyond high school afford a greater ability to achieve economic mobility and build a life of one’s own choosing. However, too often, a student’s circumstances of birth – race, ethnicity, family’s income level or immigration status – predicts the educational opportunities they will be afforded.
Only 3 in 10 middle school students in Central Texas go on to earn a college degree or certificate from a Texas public institution within 10 years. For students from low-income communities, that number drops to just 1 in 10.
To combat this inequity, Breakthrough makes a commitment for up to 12 years, to students and their families to guide them through the process of preparing for, enrolling in and completing college. The long-term model ensures the success of students and families from middle school to high school graduation to college diploma and beyond.
What we do
Our multi-faceted approach is rooted in our core beliefs. By partnering deeply with students, families and local stakeholders we are facilitating lasting change driven by the unique needs of our students and greater community.
- 12-year Experience
- Schoolwide Postsecondary Advising Program
- Advocacy Practice
- Near Peer Teaching Fellowship