Students

Breakthrough is a rigorous program designed to help highly motivated students make the most of their education. For this reason, Breakthrough students and their families must commit to full participation in the program. Attendance is mandatory for three summer sessions and the full six-year cycle of school-year activities.

Students are recruited in spring of their sixth-grade year from public middle schools in the Fort Worth Independent School District. To enroll in Breakthrough, students are required to complete a rigorous application and interview process. The process is highly competitive and applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early.

The program’s diverse student base reflects that 91% of our students are students of color and 95% qualify for the free/reduced federal lunch program. English is a second language for 50% of our students, and 80% will be the first generation in their family to graduate from a four-year college or university.

Who are they?

To be eligible for admission into Breakthrough, the student:

Must be a sixth-grade student currently attending a Fort Worth school.
Makes 80’s and above in their classes; receives E’s and S’s in citizenship; and attends school regularly.
Is committed to attending all required events and summer programming. (Students DON’T want to miss any moment with Breakthrough, anyway!)
Challenges himself/herself by completing all assignments, including two hours of homework each night during the summer program.
Has a love of learning and wants to go to college. They strive to do their best and are always open to new ideas and challenges.
Agrees to follow Breakthrough’s core values for courage, leadership, passion for learning, respect, responsibility and teamwork.

In Breakthrough:

They are young people who choose to make a difference, pursuing academic success and excellence in all areas of life.
They work hard as a family and as a team.
They are Breakthrough!