OUR MISSION. OUR DIFFERENCE.
Striving to reach educational equity and diversity — this is our mission at Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia. We bring together educationally underserved, highly-motivated middle schoolers and diverse college students who aspire to be teachers in a program designed to inspire, support and establish a more equitable education system.
BRINGING OUR MISSION TO LIFE
We fulfill this mission in two ways – first, by helping educationally underserved middle schoolers in Philadelphia’s public, parochial, and charter schools to reach beyond their neighborhoods, matriculate to top choice high schools and inspire a lifelong love of learning and openness to possibility. As a result, we aim to change the trajectory of middle schoolers’ educational and life journeys.
Second, we realize our mission by providing college students with hands-on teaching experiences and training to build the next generation of diverse, talented educators. Such pre-professional development experiences often spark an interest in and commitment to working in the field of education, with approximately 75% of Breakthrough teaching fellows pursuing careers in this sector.
At Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia, we bring together both highly-motivated middle schoolers and diverse college students who aspire to be teachers in a program designed to inspire, support and establish a more equitable education system.
OUR DIFFERENCE
Our tuition-free, multi-year program engages, inspires and prepares our students for top choice high schools, setting the foundation for college and career success.
Early Intervention
We recruit students in the fifth grade -- a critical time for students academically, socially and emotionally.
Long Term Commitment
Students-Teaching-Students
We make a multi-year commitment to the students, ensuring they are prepared for entry into competitive, top choice high schools.
Our teachers are themselves students. As Teaching Fellows, they bolster their college education through hands-on teaching experience, while also modeling to our middle school Scholars the possibility of a promising future.
Small Class Sizes
With a maximum of 15 students per class, we create an environment for deeper collaboration and engagement with peers and content.
Growth Mindset
Core Values
We meet students where they are and embrace their potential, providing the support, tools and momentum needed for enduring learning and teaching.
We believe in the power of education to transform young people’s lives, and live each and every day to ensure our students receive the enrichment and opportunities they deserve.
WHAT INSPIRES US
We draw inspiration from the needs of youth and education systems here in Philadelphia. We invite you to explore some of the research and insights that keep us grounded in our work.
