Blog
AmeriCorps Matters: Fueling Breakthrough’s Impact
You may have never heard of AmeriCorps, but you’re almost certainly familiar with its work. Jane Atkinson, Breakthrough’s AmeriCorps Director, has heard it referred to as the best kept secret in the federal government. For those who have witnessed a Breakthrough...
Building Our Future Together: National Conference 2025
This year’s Breakthrough National Conference brought together affiliate leaders, National Office staff, and special guests from across the country for two unforgettable days in New Orleans. Centered around the theme “The Next Chapter: Building Our Future Together,”...
A Summer of Success & Impact
This summer, Breakthrough was back in full swing, bringing students and Teaching Fellows together for learning, growth, and connection. Across the country, our programs helped middle school students regain academic momentum and gave college students the chance to grow...
Out-of-School-Time Programs Aren’t Just Helpful—They’re Essential for the Future of Education
Out-of-school-time (OST) programs like Breakthrough’s summer learning are essential for student growth, boosting academic skills, confidence, and real-world readiness through joyful, relationship-driven experiences. As education faces challenges like teacher shortages and AI, investing in OST is a critical strategy to equip students to navigate and thrive in a changing world.
Welcome to Our Next Chapter
Out-of-school-time (OST) programs like Breakthrough’s summer learning are essential for student growth, boosting academic skills, confidence, and real-world readiness through joyful, relationship-driven experiences. As education faces challenges like teacher shortages and AI, investing in OST is a critical strategy to equip students to navigate and thrive in a changing world.
From BIT to Best Practices: Spring Training in Review
Last month, program staff from across the Breakthrough network came together for Spring Training 2025, a hybrid professional development experience designed to prepare teams for the critical work of supporting Teaching Fellows this summer. The event kicked off with a...
Breakthrough’s Teaching Fellowship: A Scalable Pre-Apprenticeship Model for the Future of Teaching
The landscape of teacher preparation is evolving, and Breakthrough Collaborative is at the forefront of innovating pathways into the profession. As of November 2021, “K-12 Teacher” has been designated as an occupation eligible for registered apprenticeship programs by...
Strengthening the Teacher Workforce: Breakthrough’s High-impact Partnership with Teach For America
As the national teacher shortage continues to challenge schools and communities, Breakthrough Collaborative is taking bold steps to expand pathways into the profession. One of the ways we’re making a difference is through our growing partnership with Teach For America...
Never Underestimate the Power of a Summer: Q&A with Crystal Rountree, CEO of Jumpstart and Breakthrough Alumna
Breakthrough Atlanta alumna Crystal Rountree—now CEO of Jumpstart—shares how one summer as a Breakthrough Teaching Fellow in Atlanta shaped her path in education and leadership. From reconnecting with former students to reflections on mentorship, Crystal’s story is a...
The Breakthrough Experience 2025: Celebrating 47 Years of Progress—and Momentum for the Future
Earlier this month, Breakthrough alumni, education leaders, advocates, and supporters convened in Houston for The Breakthrough Experience, a first-of-its-kind national convening designed to activate leaders, accelerate our mission, and strengthen the shared vision...
Just released: Breakthrough’s 2024 Impact Report
In a year defined by change and new possibilities, we drew on more than four decades of experience to deepen our impact and meet the needs of the young people we serve. What began as a small spark to close the summer learning gap has ignited into a national...
Breakthrough CEO Responds to 2024 Nation’s Report Card
By Vince Marigna, CEO Last week, results of the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) were released, revealing troubling declines in reading performance and stagnation in math scores. These results underscore the challenges our nation faces in...