This summer, thousands of students and Teaching Fellows came together across 43 Breakthrough sites nationwide to learn, grow, and make lasting connections. We’re spotlighting two Minnesota affiliates — Breakthrough Twin Cities and Breakthrough Saint Paul — to share a glimpse of the relationships and moments that make Breakthrough summers so meaningful across our network.
From academic learning to mentorship, Breakthrough summers transform lives on both sides of the classroom. Students build confidence and see themselves in new ways, while Teaching Fellows step into leadership, grow as educators, and discover what’s possible for their own journeys.
At Breakthrough Minneapolis, hosted at The Blake School, that transformation is grounded in a strong sense of community. Picture it: students and Teaching Fellows greeting each other in the hallways with high-fives and creative handshakes, a lively game of four square in a crowded courtyard – the kind of easy camaraderie that comes from feeling like you belong.
Gertie, a Breakthrough student and rising 9th grader, reflects on how much she’s changed since joining Breakthrough Minneapolis. “That first day, I was so shy, so scared. I didn’t put myself out there,” she shared. “They’ve really helped me come out of my shell a lot. I’ve had a lot bigger of a personality since starting Breakthrough.”
That growth has given Gertie the confidence to explore her many interests – from sewing and coding to enjoying anime and Just Dance. She wants to be a pediatric surgeon one day. Her story is a reminder that Breakthrough helps students grow not only academically, but as whole people with passions and interests, hopes and dreams.
Across town is Breakthrough Twin Cities, hosted at Mounds Park Academy. This summer’s Magical Prep Academy theme transformed the campus into a place of creativity – from dancing in the hallways during passing periods to STEM Week activities, including a rubber chicken bone lab and robot dodgeball. Discovery and joyful learning were everywhere.
Teaching Fellow Carli-Jane, a junior at Tuskegee University, knows firsthand the impact of a supportive learning community. After three summers teaching literature with Breakthrough, she has seen how relationships can transform both sides of the classroom – helping students find their voice while helping Teaching Fellows grow as educators and leaders.
“It’s so nice being in an environment with different kinds of people,” she shared. “I always try to create moments based on conversation and learning about each other. I’m really able to get a look into everyone’s lives. It’s just so fun. I love it.”
For Carli-Janae, that sense of support and belonging is what makes Breakthrough special. “You’re going to be prepared. There’s going to be people around to help you. You’re not alone. There’s so much preparation and so many people rooting for your success.”
The dual impact of Breakthrough is summed up by Twin Cities Teaching Fellow Yahya: “We fail and succeed together. Not just the kids, but for us as well: there are opportunities for us to grow.” It’s a sentiment shared across Breakthrough sites nationwide, where summer classrooms are filled with joyful learning, curiosity, teamwork, and communities where young people discover who they are becoming – together.