Breakthrough New York
“The relationships we have developed in the Gould Center are extremely supportive and collaborative. Gould is a connector that brings together organizations doing similar work, so we can cross-pollinate ideas and learn from each other. Gould is truly a partner, not just a foundation that writes a check. They are thought partners and hands-on collaborators, led by people who have direct experience in the field.”
Rhea Wong
Executive Director, Breakthrough New York
Breakthrough New York increases educational opportunities for motivated public middle school students and encourages talented high school and college students to pursue careers in education. The tuition-free, year-round enrichment program enrolls middle school students who are motivated but have limited educational opportunities, and prepares them for challenging, college-preparatory high schools.
Once accepted to Breakthrough New York, students make a two-year commitment, which includes a rigorous academic summer program, educational enrichment classes, after-school tutoring, mentoring, high school placement guidance and post–high school placement support and opportunities.
What makes Breakthrough New York unique? Its students-teaching-students model.
Breakthrough New York hires high school and college students to teach small classes that match their academic strengths and passions. The teaching internship is consistently listed as a Princeton Review Top Ten Internship (along with internships at the White House, the Supreme Court and MTV).
Breakthrough New York is affiliated with a national collaborative of 29 sites engaged in the same students-teaching-students model.
Amanda Hernandez was a motivated student in a public middle school when she turned to Breakthrough New York, hoping the program might help her achieve her dream of becoming a doctor. “At first I was nervous that I might not keep up with the work, but the program gave me confidence and made me a stronger person. It made me feel like I could handle new challenges and it made me think differently about my life.”
Seven years later, a pre-med student at Columbia, she returned to Breakthrough New York to teach science in the program. “Teaching was the best experience of my life," she said. "Seeing my students learn and grow as people was amazing. My students would say that they hated science in school, but that they liked it because of how I taught it. My goal was always to help my students love to learn and to become stronger students and people.”
- 100% of Breakthrough New York’s middle school students who graduated high school in 2006 are attending four-year colleges.
- 100% of Breakthrough New York’s rising eighth–graders are attending college-preparatory high schools.
- 72.5% of Breakthrough New York’s teacher alumni are in careers in education or public service.