Our Approach
Two Challenges. One Breakthrough Solution.
Breakthrough expands educational opportunity by investing in both students and the future educator workforce. Through a two-pronged approach—supporting students on the path to college and preparing the next generation of diverse teachers—we’re driving long-term change in education.
1. Supporting Students on the Path to College
Early Intervention, Long-Term Support
We begin in middle school—when the right support can change everything. Our “near-peer” model connects students with college-age Teaching Fellows who share similar backgrounds and show that college isn’t just possible—it’s within reach.
More Than a Summer Program
Breakthrough is a multi-year experience. Students engage with us for more than six years through our signature summer program, school-year support, and individualized college counseling. From tutoring to mentorship to scholarships, we’re with them every step of the way.
A Community That Walks With Them
Students don’t go it alone. They’re part of a community that offers guidance, encouragement, and high expectations. Along the way, they build the confidence, skills, and connections to thrive—in college and beyond.
2. Building the Future Educator Workforce
Answering the Teacher Shortage
With over 400,000 teaching positions unfilled or staffed by underprepared educators, the U.S. faces a critical shortage. Breakthrough’s Teaching Fellowship is a nationally recognized model tackling this challenge head-on.
A Launchpad for Future Teachers
Each year, we recruit over 1,000 college students from 270+ universities to teach at our 25 affiliates. Through a paid, nine-week program, Teaching Fellows complete 100+ hours of training, teaching, and mentorship—building real classroom skills and leadership confidence.
Creating Real Pathways Into the Profession
We partner with graduate schools, certification programs, and apprenticeships to ensure Fellows have clear, supported routes into teaching careers. Many go on to become full-time educators, bringing their talent and lived experience to the students who need them most.
Our Model
At the heart of the Breakthrough model is a simple but powerful idea: high expectations paired with high support. This comes to life through our “near-peer” teaching model, where college-aged Teaching Fellows build meaningful relationships with middle and high school students.
Students connect with Teaching Fellows on a deep level—seeing in them not only relatable mentors, but reflections of what’s possible in their own futures. For Teaching Fellows, the experience is just as transformative. They come to understand teaching as a joyful, relational act and see firsthand how powerful student-educator connections can be.
