Breakthrough Collaborative is a national leader in educational equity.

Inspiring students. Developing teachers. Together, we are Breakthrough.
We create empowering educational experiences for traditionally underrepresented students on their path to college, and we are the largest pre-professional teacher training program in the country.
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Our Priority: Educational Equity

ALL STUDENTS DESERVE SUPPORT ON THEIR PATH TO SUCCESS

Inequity in education persists nationwide. Our model addresses opportunity gaps for students, beginning in the middle school years, and introduces college students to careers in teaching as we seek to build a diverse and talented educator workforce.

National Scale with a Regional Approach

We mobilize the talent of students from over 250 colleges and universities to meet the educational needs of motivated, underrepresented youth from coast to coast. 

Each year Breakthrough connects 10,000 students with 1,100 college-aged Teaching Fellows in 24 cities across the country. Learn more.

Get to know Breakthrough Video

Discover Breakthrough’s unique program model in this brief video.

 

 

The Breakthrough Impact

STUDENTS

50% MORE LIKELY TO DIRECTLY ENROLL IN A 4-YEAR COLLEGE

Breakthrough students are 50% more likely to directly enroll in a four-year college or university than high school graduates nationwide, regardless of socio-economic background. Once they enroll, they graduate at the same rate as their high-income peers.

TEACHING FELLOWS

76% PURSUE CAREERS IN EDUCATION 

After receiving real-world, relevant teaching experiences, 3 out of 4 Breakthrough Teaching Fellows, 60% of whom are people of color, enter the education profession.

EDUCATION LANDSCAPE

40+ Year History

For over 40 years, we have been creating systems-level change, one student and teacher at a time. Our proven program is delivered through 24 affiliates and evidenced in a growing body of data to support the model. 

Hear how the Breakthrough Teaching Fellow experience creates life-long impact

Join the premier summer teaching program designed for undergraduates of all majors and career aspirations. During a summer teaching residency at Breakthrough, students gain valuable classroom experience and grow their leadership skills in a fun and supportive community.

THE BREAKTHROUGH SONG

“I’m looking for a breakthrough… a reason to believe that I can dream”

This inspiring song speaks to the heart of the Breakthrough program and encourages students to pursue their dreams and believe in the power of their own potential.

Chris Lee is an actor, musician, and Hamilton musical star, but first he was a Breakthrough Atlanta student. Lee recently penned the Official Breakthrough Song and recorded it with a group of Breakthrough Atlanta Scholars. Lee is a member of our Breakthrough National Ambassador Council and continues to give back to the Breakthrough community with this time and talents. Read his story.

Alumni Stories & Breakthrough Moments

Breakthrough Reflections: In Their Own Words

“Breakthrough propelled my teaching career and helped me become a more thoughtful and reflective educator”

– BT Birmingham Teaching Fellow Alumna

“I learned just how powerful young people can be when they are given high expectations and their ideas are valued.”

– Breakthrough Providence Alumna

“Breakthrough has done so much for me as a student. It helped me learn about my future, how to build relationships and how to care for others. “

-Breakthrough Manchester Student Alumna

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