Hello, World!
Our Program. Our Mission.
Who We Are
A free, six-year college access program
Breakthrough Twin Cities is a free, six-year college access program serving the Twin Cities. We pair students with college and high school Teaching Fellows who guide them, term after term, from middle school all the way through their college search.
Who We Serve
Students and families across the Twin Cities
We serve historically marginalized students and families — starting in middle school and staying with them through high school graduation.
What We Do
Summer enrichment, then year-round support
Summers are spent in academic enrichment programming led by our Teaching Fellows. In high school, that shifts to close, individual support: navigating school, preparing rigorously for college, and working through challenges as they arise. Monthly Saturday sessions keep that support going year-round.
What brings you to Breakthrough?
Current Students & Families
Find schedules, program dates, resources, and support.
Student & Family Resources →
Become a Teaching Fellow
Gain hands-on classroom experience while making an impact.
Explore the Fellowship →
Our Impact
0%
college acceptance rate
vs. 69% state average
0%
of Teaching Fellows report a better understanding of the rigor of a teaching career
because of their experience with BTC
0
students served
since 2005
Hear from the Breakthrough community
-
![]()
"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
-
![]()
"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
-
![]()
"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
-
![]()
"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
-
![]()
"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.
Current Students & Families
Find schedules, program dates, resources, and support.
Student & Family Resources →
Become a Teaching Fellow
Gain hands-on classroom experience while making an impact.
Explore the Fellowship →