Please visit Breakthrough Houston, formerly Summerbridge Houston, at http://www.breakthroughhouston.org/ for more information.

Breakthrough Houston is hosting a "Breakfast" again this year during our School-Year program on November 7 and March 6, where visitors are invited to come and see our program.

Visit the Website for more info or click here to Download More Info/Map

What is Breakthrough?

Breakthrough Houston is an academic program that helps put low-income, academically talented middle-school and high-school students on the path to college while inspiring outstanding college- and high-school students to pursue careers in education. As a member of the nationally known Breakthrough Collaborative, Breakthrough Houston is sponsored by Episcopal High School and St. John’s School in partnership with Houston Independent School District.

Now, more than 200 students from Houston schools attend our six-week, intensive summer program and year-round Saturday School classes taught by high-school and college students. Students commit themselves to Breakthrough during the summer prior to their seventh-grade year. They take challenging classes in English, science, math, social studies, and foreign languages, while receiving exposure to life skills, and test-taking tools in their elective courses. Our program keeps students connected to the classroom, their friends, and their mentors while helping them reach their goal—admission to competitive high-schools and college.

Our Mission

The program has a two fold mission. Breakthrough Houston aims to identify, recruit, and prepare students who possess high academic potential, but limited educational resources for competitive high-school programs and college admission. In addition, we encourage talented high-school and college students to consider careers in education.

Who Are Breakthrough Students?

Our students come from many different backgrounds. Although there is no a typical Breakthrough student, all share a genuine love of learning and demonstrate both personal and educational promise. The program targets low-income students, including many who will be the first in their families to earn college degrees. Approximately 50% of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and 99% are students of color. Our relative gender percentages are typically 60% female and 40% male.

Student Admissions Profile
  • 40 rising 7th graders
  • 35 rising 8th graders
  • 35 rising 9th graders
  • 100 high school students
  • Total over 200 students served

Who Are Breakthrough Teachers?

Talented high-school and college students from all over the country, they serve as role models and mentors, showing students that it is "cool to be smart." Bright, passionate, and creative, they are intrigued by learning and teaching.

Each year Princeton Review rates Breakthrough Collaborative one of the top ten internships for college students. As a result, we have an outstanding group of teachers for both our Summer Program and our School-Year Program

Summer teachers receive a small stipend for working at least fifty hours per week for eight weeks. The School Year program is staffed by high school and college students as well as professional educator volunteers. School mentors volunteer their time during the academic year to teach weekly sessions and maintain close contact with students and families.

Funding

Breakthrough Houston is funded through local foundations, businesses and individuals.St. John's School, Episcopal High School and HISD provide in-kind space, facilities and transportation. To Donate Now, contact Samantha Singh or visit http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/alumni-give/index.php.