Nearly 50 years ago, Breakthrough Collaborative was founded with a bold vision: to expand educational opportunity by investing in both students and the aspiring educators who support them. What started as a single site in San Francisco has grown into a national movement with 25 affiliates, a network of 40,000 alumni, and a model that continues to prove what’s possible when young people are met with high expectations, caring mentors, and sustained support.
Today, we’re proud to unveil a new look for Breakthrough: a refreshed brand that reflects not only who we are, but where we’re going. We’re stepping boldly into The Next Chapter of our story. One that builds on our legacy while meeting this moment with clarity, urgency, and momentum.
“Breakthrough has always been more than a program. It’s a movement built on the belief that student success and educator preparation are deeply connected,” says Vince Marigna, CEO. “We see what’s possible when students are met with opportunity and when aspiring educators are prepared and supported. Change is not only possible, it’s already happening. And we’re ready to help lead what comes next.”
The Story Behind Our New Logo
Our new logo captures the essence of Breakthrough: students and Teaching Fellows learning, growing, and evolving together. The two sets of dots represent their unique journeys, interconnected within a larger network. This design reflects our belief that no one moves forward alone. Breakthrough is a community where support, connection, and opportunity create lasting impact.
Breakthrough By the Numbers
Behind every number is a story of scale, strategy, and sustained impact. These figures reflect the reach of our model, the depth of our investment in people, and the long-term commitment fueling our mission:
- 10,100 students served across 25 affiliates in 2024
- 1,100 Teaching Fellows recruited and trained from 270+ colleges and universities
- 200 Instructional Coaches provided mentorship and feedback to aspiring teachers
- 40,000+ alumni—students and Teaching Fellows—driving change across sectors
Our model works. Breakthrough students enroll in college at a rate 31% higher than their peers, and our Teaching Fellows go on to lead in education; not only as classroom teachers and district leaders, but also as advocates and decision makers across sectors.
Why This Moment Matters
This moment is more than the way we look or what we say. It’s a recommitment to our mission, and a signal of our readiness to meet today’s challenges head-on.
- Expanding access to out-of-school-time learning, where students build confidence, agency, and future-ready skills
- Introducing college students to the teaching profession by igniting their passion and offering practical, hands-on experience.
- Growing and mobilizing our alumni network to increase opportunity for students and advance educational opportunity.
- Inviting more people to join us: supporters, donors, partners, and advocates who believe, as we do, that education unlocks opportunity and transforms lives.
We Want to Hear from You
Our movement is powered by people like you. Share your experience and be part of the story we’re building. Together, we’re expanding educational opportunity and equipping young people to lead lasting change.
Join Us
We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built over the last four decades. But we’re even more excited about what’s ahead. Together, we’re preparing students not only to succeed, but also to lead. We’re supporting educators not just in entering the profession, but in staying, thriving, and shaping the future of learning.
This is the next chapter of Breakthrough. We’re so glad you’re part of it.