Becoming a Breakthrough Student
Breakthrough admits a new class of sixth-grade students each spring and makes a commitment to help them graduate from high school, enter college and become the first in their families to graduate from college. Breakthrough accepts applications from sixth-graders who attend public or charter schools in Sacramento County.
Apply to Be A Breakthrough Sacramento Student
Breakthrough is a 6-year summer and school-year program that supports motivated students on their path to college.
The 2024 student applications are due by May 10!
Please contact us with any questions.
2024 New Student Application (English)
Solicitude de Nuevo Estudiante 2024 (Español)
What You Can Expect as a Breakthrough student
1. Breakthrough Summer Academy: Breakthrough’s Academic Summer Academy is the highlight of our 7th - 9th grade students’ experience. Our near-peer teaching interns - well-trained high school and college students — engage youth in literature, writing, math, and outrageous science experiences. And with a student-teacher ratio of just 8:1, Breakthrough Sacramento classes are small, allowing for individualized attention. Make no mistake - this is not traditional Summer School! Learning takes place in classrooms and out-of-doors, integrating games, competitions, songs, raps, and chants. Students also take part in:
Field Trips: Bus trip to tour a college and spend an afternoon splashing at a public pool
Events: Olympics Day, Talent Show, Spirit Day, “Pi” in the face Day, Career Day, and Community Service Day
Making New Friends: Meet students from three local school districts, all of whom share a common interest to succeed academically
Mapping a Path to College: With the help of Breakthrough, students create a personalized plan to achieve their goals and identify the resources available to help make their college-going dreams an affordable reality!
The summer academy is typically six weeks, all in person!
2. Weekly Breakthroughs: You’ll continue your summer gains with weekly academic tutoring and supplementary lessons taught after school or on Saturdays during the school year. (2-3 hours per week)
3. Super Saturdays: Each month there are opportunities for unique field trips. Past activities have included hiking, camping trip, snow treks, college tours, professional sporting events (Kings, River Cats, Sac Republic), theatre, and lots and lots of career, work-readiness, and college-readiness seminars!
4. High School/College Counseling: Breakthrough helps students select their ideal high school, assures they are taking the classes that best set them up for success in college, and offers tutoring, as needed. Students receive critical college counseling and assistance researching and applying to college, obtaining financial aid, and applying for scholarships.
And the program works!
100% of Breakthrough students graduate from high school
95% are accepted to 4-year colleges
Students graduate from college at 6x the rate of their peers.
Are You ELIGIBLE?
Breakthrough students have a demonstrated need for this tuition-free program. Students selected for Breakthrough meet at least three out of these five criteria:
Qualify for free or reduced-price lunch at school.
Will be the first in their family to attend a four-year college.
Speak a language other than English at home.
Live in a single-parent household.
Attend an under-resourced school (Title 1 school in the greater Sacramento region, charter, and most faith-based schools.)
Student Commitment:
6-year commitment to the program (7th – 12th grade), with the opportunity to continue through high school
Attend program sessions during the summer and school year
Work in partnership with our staff to reach your full potential as a student
Will be a great ambassador of our Breakthrough spirit and culture
Family Commitment:
Parents & Guardians of Breakthrough Sacramento students make a commitment to:
Understand and follow through with the six-year commitment that your child makes to Breakthrough Sacramento
Ensure their child attends required program dates.
Attend occasional required family events like: Welcome Back Night, High School Options night, Student & Family Conference, and Celebration.
Proactively communicate with Breakthrough regarding your child’s performance.
Proactively communicate with Breakthrough regarding any changes in contact information.
Actively help your child raise any grades that fall below a B-.
If you answered “Yes!” to all of these requirements, please apply by following the steps below.
Application Process
STEP 1: Students must complete the Breakthough Student Application. The application also includes a brief parent/guardian section.
STEP 2: Breakthrough invites qualified students and parents/guardians to attend an interview session.
STEP 3: Breakthrough will call students personally with acceptances within a week of student interviews.
Student applications are due by May 10, 2024.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Javier Barragán at javier@breakthroughsac.org.