Application Process

How are Breakthrough Students Selected?

Students are recruited in the sixth grade from more than 40 partnering public schools in Philadelphia. With the support of a parent or guardian, student applicants undergo an extensive selection process that includes a written student statement, a parent statement, grades, test-scores, teacher recommendations, and separate interviews with the student and parent. While excellent grades are not required for acceptance into the program, students must exhibit a drive and ability to perform in a challenging academic setting. Applicants must also provide income verification that demonstrates limited economic opportunities.

Breakthrough operates three middle school program sites: Germantown Friends School, St. Joseph’s University and Grover Washington, Jr. Middle School. To apply to the program, students must be in the sixth grade and attend one of the following partnering schools:

Germantown Friends School Site	St. Joseph’s University Site	Grover Washington, Jr. Site
A.B. Day School Amy Northwest Eleanor C. Emlen School Fitler Academics Plus Germantown Settlement Charter Charles W. Henry School Hill-Freedman Middle School Henry H. Houston School John S. Jenks School John B. Kelly School Anna L. Lingelbach School Clarence E. Pickett Middle School General Luis Wagner Middle School West Oak Lane Charter School Wissahickon Charter School	Dimner Beeber Middle School Belmont Charter School Guion S. Bluford School Samuel Daroff School Samuel Gompers School Andrew Hamilton School Holy Name School (Camden) Samuel B. Huey School Joseph Leidy School Middle Years Alternative Overbrook Educational Center Salzburger Junior High Saint Joseph’s Pro Cathedral (Camden)	Julia de Burgos School Roberto Clemente Middle School Russell Conwell Middle School Jay Cooke Elementary School Thomas Creighton School Fairhill School Feltonville Arts & Sciences Finletter School Benjamin Franklin School Grover Washington Jr. James Logan School Andrew J. Morrison School Olney Elementary School Potter-Thomas School John B. Stetson Middle School

Breakthrough staff members conduct classroom presentations and distribute applications at partnering schools in the fall each school year. Applications are also available upon request by calling 215-951-2398 or emailing info@breakthroughphilly.org.