Apply to be a Student/ Aplicar para ser un estudiante

Early Application Deadline
February, 13th, 2026

Regular Admission Deadline
March 13, 2026

Summer Orientation
Varies by Site
Check in with Director

Summer Academy
2026
June 15 – July 24

Apply to be a Breakthrough Student |

Apliquen aqui para ser un estudiante Breakthrough

 

APPLY HERE | APLIQUE AQUI

LEARN MORE

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.

The following characteristics typically describe our students:

  • Will be first-generation college graduates
  • Motivated to learn, work hard and achieve success in school
  • Willing and able to make a long-term commitment to Breakthrough

 

Privacy Policy | Terms of Service

Interested in joining Breakthrough? Watch this video!

¿Interesado en unirse a Breakthrough? ¡Mira este video!

(For more information)

If you have questions or have trouble accessing the form, please contact Ric Almeda at (512) 643-6765.

Apply to Become a Breakthrough Student

AUSTIN ISD

Breakthrough admits a new class of sixth grade students each spring and makes a commitment to help them graduate from high school, enter college and become the first in their families to graduate from college.  Breakthrough will accept applications from sixth graders at all schools in the Austin ISD boundaries. We recruit directly from the following schools: Martin Middle School, Mendez Middle School, Webb Middle School, O. Henry Middle School, Fulmore Middle School, Dobie Middle School, Sadler Means Middle School, Gus Garcia Middle School, Burnet Middle School, Lamar Middle School, Bedichek Middle School and Kealing Middle School.

MANOR ISD

Breakthrough admits a new class of fifth grade students from Manor ISD each spring and makes a commitment to help them graduate from high school, enter college and become the first in their families to graduate from college. Breakthrough will accept applications from fifth graders at all elementary schools in the Manor ISD boundaries. We recruit directly from the following schools: Lagos Elementary, Shadow Glen Elementary, Decker Elementary, Manor Elementary, Blake Manor Elementary, Pioneer Crossing, Presidential Elementary Bluebonnet Trails and Oak Meadows Elementary.

    DEL VALLE ISD

    Breakthrough admits a new class of fifth grade students from Del Valle ISD each spring and makes a commitment to help them graduate from high school, enter college and become the first in their families to graduate from college. Breakthrough will accept applications from fifth graders at all elementary schools in the Del Valle ISD boundaries. We recruit directly from the following schools: Creedmoor Elementary, Baty Elementary, Smith Elementary, Del Valle Elementary, Popham Elementary, Hornsby Dunlap Elementary, Gilbert Elementary, Collins Elementary and Hillcrest Elementary.

       

      FAMILY INFORMATION SESSIONS

      Learn more about Breakthrough Central Texas for the 2025–26 school year.
      Join us for a virtual or in-person parent session to learn about our program, eligibility, and how to apply.

      SIGN UP| INSCRÍBETE
      FAQ: Frequently Asked Admissions Questions

      HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REGISTER?
      $0 — This is completely at no cost and free. Breakthrough Central Texas raises its own funds, so there is no cost to families.

      HOW DO I SIGN UP MY STUDENT FOR BREAKTHROUGH?
      Please use this link or go to our main website and click “Apply to Be a Student.” From there, you will either complete an interest form or the full application, which goes live on January 1, 2026.

      WHEN CAN A STUDENT START AT BREAKTHROUGH?
      This depends on where a student lives or attends school. Typically:

      • AISD Schools: 6th grade (summer before 7th)

      • Manor ISD: 5th grade (summer before 6th)

      • Del Valle ISD: 5th grade (summer before 6th)

      WHAT DOES FIRST-GENERATION MEAN?
      First-generation means a student whose parents have not completed a four-year college degree in the United States.

      WHAT IF ONE PARENT WENT TO COLLEGE?
      We typically use information from the guardian the student lives with most. Recruitment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. We encourage families to complete the application, and our team will follow up if more information is needed.

      HOW MANY SITES DOES BREAKTHROUGH CENTRAL TEXAS HAVE?
      We have four sites serving students in Travis County and surrounding areas. Summer program locations include:

      • Northeast Austin: St. Andrew’s Private Schools

      • South Austin: University of Texas Summer Program

      • Manor: Manor ISD School (TBD)

      • Del Valle: Del Valle ISD School (TBD)

      WHAT DOES “12 DAYS OF SUMMER, 12 YEARS OF SERVICE” MEAN?
      Data shows that students who attend at least 12 days of the summer program are most likely to stay engaged for the full 12 years of free advising, field trips, and six-week summer programming.

      WHEN DOES THE SUMMER PROGRAM START?
      The Summer Program runs from June 15 to July 24, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

      IS IT OK TO MISS DAYS IN THE SUMMER FOR VACATION?
      Yes. However, attendance is important. While there are 25 days of summer programming, students should attend at least 12 days to get the most out of the program. Communication is key if attendance is challenging.

      IS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED?
      Yes. Breakthrough Central Texas provides free transportation. Bus routes are created using transportation zones at local elementary, middle, and high schools.

      ARE MEALS PROVIDED?
      Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided at no cost through partnerships with local school districts, private schools, and universities.

      WHAT IS MY OR MY STUDENT’S COMMITMENT TO BREAKTHROUGH CENTRAL TEXAS?
      Students are expected to maintain good attendance during the school year and summer programming. Attending 12 days of summer allows access to up to 12 years of services. Ongoing communication from families is essential if attendance issues arise.

      WILL THERE BE FAMILY INFORMATION SESSIONS?
      Yes. There will be orientations and presentations at each site in Northeast Austin, South Austin, Manor, and Del Valle. A site-wide in-person informational session will take place on February 12. Click here to register.

      WHAT DOES AN “ADVISOR” DO?
      Advisors regularly check in on students, typically every six weeks, to support them academically, socially, and personally.

      HOW OFTEN ARE THE YEARLY FIELD TRIPS?
      There are three events per semester, totaling six per year. Four of the six events are usually college visits or education-related field trips.

      IS BREAKTHROUGH A SCHOOL?
      No. Breakthrough Central Texas is an academic and social enrichment program that supplements a student’s school experience. We also operate a six-week summer program hosted at school sites.

      WHEN DO I FIND OUT IF I AM ACCEPTED?
      Families will be notified by email and text on a rolling basis after the following deadlines:

      • Early Application Deadline: February 13, 2026

      • Regular Application Deadline: March 13, 2026

      For more information, contact Ric@breakthroughctx.org