This summer, 15 Breakthrough sites across the network welcomed congressional offices to see our work in action and connect with students, Teaching Fellows, and affiliate leaders. These visits helped policymakers understand the impact of creating environments where young people can learn, lead, and prepare for the future — and why public investment in education and programs like AmeriCorps matters.
Strong educational opportunities do not happen on their own. They require the right partnerships, policies, and public investments. It’s these conditions that allow communities across our network to expand access to high-quality learning, prepare the next generation of educators, and create pathways into the teaching profession.
At Breakthrough Birmingham, a staff member from Senator Tommy Tuberville’s office got a firsthand look at what makes Breakthrough so powerful.
“She loved the small classroom sizes, the inclusivity and psychological safety for our middle schoolers, and the fact that Fellows took their place as teachers,” shared Mariohn Michel, Executive Director. “She raved about the energy and joy she felt was palpable.”
In Louisville, a staff member from Senator Rand Paul’s office left with a deeper understanding of Breakthrough’s approach — and a new appreciation for the local leadership that makes it possible.
“We became fast friends today and I have no doubt that I will be back soon,” said Whitney Meadows after visiting Breakthrough Louisville. “Dr. Paul admires organizations that demonstrate education as the equalizer.”
The visits also gave affiliate staff the chance to share what we’re seeing on the ground: what students need to thrive, what aspiring teachers need to enter and remain in the profession, and where policy and public investment can help remove barriers.
That includes protecting and strengthening programs that support aspiring educators and expanding high-quality pathways into teaching. For Breakthrough and many of our affiliates, AmeriCorps is a powerful example of that investment in action. AmeriCorps members contribute directly to communities while gaining the experience and skills to become educators and leaders. Public funding helps create opportunities for young people to access the experiences and resources that can help them prepare for the future.
The summer’s visits included a mix of members of Congress and staff from offices across the country, including policymakers serving on committees with significant influence over education, workforce development, and federal appropriations. Sixteen offices also participated as AmeriCorps Champions, deepening their understanding of the program’s impact and importance, including Congresswoman Lucy McBath herself who visited Breakthrough Atlanta.
As Breakthrough continues to build our advocacy efforts, these site visits are helping us strengthen relationships with policymakers and bring the experiences of the young people we serve into conversations about the policies and investments that shape their futures.