Dear Breakthrough Community,

On behalf of our Board of Trustees, campaign leadership, and staff, I am thrilled to announce a historic milestone for Breakthrough Central Texas: the public launch of our Pathways to Opportunity Campaign. Through this $30 million accelerator campaign, we will unlock the power of education and expand opportunity for thousands more Central Texas students – enrolling 3,000 new students, doubling the number of young people we serve, and tripling the number of first-generation college graduates.

Earlier this week, we gathered with community leaders, partners, and supporters at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum to announce this bold vision—the most ambitious in Breakthrough’s 20+ year history. Together, we celebrated the progress we’ve already made, the generosity of so many who believe in our proven solution and support our students and their families.

We were honored to:

• Hear Luci Baines Johnson, businesswoman, philanthropist, and daughter of President Johnson, reflect on her father’s legacy and the transformative power of education to lift generations out of poverty.
• Be moved by Mayor Kirk Watson, a longtime supporter and son of a first-generation graduate, as he affirmed Breakthrough’s role in empowering students, strengthening our workforce, and building a more equitable Austin.
• Celebrate Breakthrough alumnus Jeremiah Thompson, who shared his inspiring journey to The University of Texas, McCombs School of Business as the first in his family to graduate college.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our early investors, led by Honorary Chairs—Gary Farmer, Ricky D. Green, Carolyn & Jack Long—and Campaign Co-Chairs—Phil & Mary Beth Canfield and Robin & Gene Shepherd—we are thrilled to announce that we have already raised $23 million toward our $30 million goal. To amplify this effort, longtime champions Carolyn & Jack Long and Christie & Clint Bybee have pledged to match qualified gifts to the campaign, up to a combined total of $4 million to inspire others to join them.

As Luci Baines Johnson reminded us: “When all our young people get a quality education—not only your children and mine, but all children—all communities will benefit.”

Now is the moment to carry this momentum forward. More than a fundraising effort, this campaign is an investment in the future of our students, our workforce, and our community. I invite you to learn more about the Pathways to Opportunity Campaign, celebrate the generosity that has brought us this far, and consider how you can help unlock the power of education and a lifetime of opportunity for thousands more students. Together, we can help make our region one of the best in the state for young people to realize college and career success —building a stronger Central Texas for all.

With deep gratitude,

Michael Griffith

Executive Director