OUR PROGRAM. OUR MISSION.
Breakthrough Twin Cities is a free, six-year college access program for historically marginalized students and families in the Twin Cities. Starting in middle school, students spend their summers in academic enrichment programming taught by college and high school Teaching Fellows who help them grow and work toward their goals. In high school, the program shifts to close, individual support, helping students navigate school, prepare rigorously for college, and work through challenges as they grow. Throughout both phases, students attend monthly Saturday sessions during the school year to keep that support going year-round.
What brings you to Breakthrough?
What brings you to Breakthrough?
SCHOLAR AND TEACHING FELLOW IMPACT
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"Breakthrough wasn't just a program. It was the people who stayed after to help you when you were struggling. The laughs in between classes. The moments where someone believed in you before you believed in yourself."
—Maika, BTC Class of 2026
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"Breakthrough has a really caring environment. You aren’t just thinking about a student’s behavior or academic performance. You’re thinking about the whole student and asking what they need in order to be successful.”
—Joe, Teaching Fellow Alum
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"Students are more willing to be vulnerable when they feel cared for. Breakthrough taught me to think about the student as a whole person, not just whether they’re meeting a benchmark or not.”
—Ger, Teaching Fellow Alum
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"Breakthrough is a really special place to me. I’ve known people here for years, I have my college counselor on speed dial, and I’ve watched students, Teaching Fellows, and staff grow. I feel welcomed and known here. It’s a space where I feel like I can show up differently than I do in other places.”
—Amira, Breakthrough Teaching Fellow & Student Alum
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"The biggest thing I learned about myself through working at Breakthrough is that being a teacher is the career I want to pursue."
-Sadie, Teaching Fellow Alum
Breakthrough Saturday Recap - December 2025
The December Saturday Session provided students with the opportunity to build community, learn about other cultures, and think deeply about why it’s important to build connections across diverse backgrounds and cultures.