top of page
D83A6233 copy.jpg

FOR STUDENTS

Welcome to Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia, where it's cool to be smart. Explore below to find out how to become part of the Breakthrough family.

JOIN BREAKTHROUGH. EMBRACE YOUR BRILLIANCE.

Breakthrough Scholars get a tuition-free and rigorous academic, co-curricular and life-skills enrichment program that fosters their love of learning and commitment to succeed in education.
 

 

​

We are currently accepting applications from current 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders.

ALL IN A PLACE WHERE IT'S COOL TO BE SMART.

GET A JUMP START WITH COLLEGE BOUND

Prepare for college, your career and beyond!

Register for Breakthrough’s FREE workshop series to explore various careers, create your resume, practice interviews, tour colleges and receive tips on test prep, college applications, and financial planning.

BT swirl_edited.png

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BREAKTHROUGH SCHOLAR

This program is designed to challenge our minds, expand our horizons, and join a learning community of other curious and passionate students.

Aubrey Tolbert, Breakthrough Scholar

THE BREAKTHROUGH SCHOLAR ADVANTAGE

​

D83A0213 copy.jpg

PROGRAM DETAILS

Multi-Year Program

runs year-round on the campus of Germantown Friends School. Program runs Saturdays during the school year, and six weeks during the summer.

Rigorous Academic Enrichment

 in core subjects such as math, literature, writing and science

​

​

​

Elective Activities

including dance, visual arts, world languages, yoga, debate, golf, capoeira, soccer and other sports. Teaching Fellows also help design electives for Scholars!

High School Preparation

through application support, test prep and mentorship. Breakthrough hosts panels and fairs about high school options and process.

Life Skills

such as financial literacy, public speaking, health, fitness, and social justice courses

​

Inspiration and Mentorship

from Career Conversations guest speakers, field trips, office visits, high schoolers and college-aged Teaching Fellows on campus.

BT swirl_edited.png

WE SEEK STUDENTS WHO MEET
THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA

  • Academically motivated, mostly A/Bs and above

  • Currently enrolled at Philadelphia public, charter, or parochial school

  • Committed to attend programming consistently

  • Families able to participate in required meetings and/or activities

  • We also seek students who meet one of the following:

    • Participate in free/reduced lunch program

    • Live in a single parent household

    • First generation in family to attend college

    • Identify as a racial or ethnic minority

    • Live in household speaking primary language other than English

    • Attend an under-resourced school

GETTING STARTED

Information needed to start the process:

  • Basic Personal Information (address, phone number, email address)

  • Basic Parent Information (full name, highest level of education completed) 

  • School Information (name of school, name of counselor or teacher for recommendation, email address of person completing recommendation) 

  • Financial Information (do you qualify for free/reduced lunch?) 

  • Picture of most recent report card (can be uploaded at a later date)

PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES

Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia Scholars at work
BT swirl.jpg

Partnership with students’ families is crucial for success. As part of the program, students’ families commit to:

  • Maintain an open dialogue with teachers

  • Participate in workshops and meetings

  • Meet application deadlines

  • Support our Scholars’ dreams and hopes

 

Breakthrough engages with families by offering:

  • Guidance and support during the high school and college application processes

  • Learning workshops

  • Parent/Teaching Fellow meetings

  • Progress reports

OUR PARTNER SCHOOLS

adprima
Independent Mission School logo
D83A0762 copy.jpg
bottom of page