Institution (custom) Breakthrough Central Texas State Texas Academic Level Community-Based Organization Issue Area Support Services Website http://breakthroughctx.org Key Personnel Arelis Palacios Program Focus First Year Support, Mentoring Overview Breakthrough’s mission is to build a path to and through college for students who will become the first in their family to earn a college degree. Breakthrough’s program provides 12 years of wrap-around support to help students of color from low-income communities become the first in their families to earn a college degree. In 2022, Breakthrough’s College and Career Success programming will help 800 high school graduates from low-income communities on their journey to achieving their dream of becoming the first in their families to graduate from college. Program Description Founded in 2001, our proven model is shaped by years of research on the underlying drivers of poverty and educational attainment. Breakthrough’s College Success Program supports low-income high school graduates of color to become first-generation college graduates. We offer year-round advising, and career exploration opportunities, offer personalized guidance on the college admissions and financial aid process, and provide intensive support once students enroll at institutions. Advisors are trained in preparing and supporting students of color to navigate predominately White institutions, as well as supporting Latinx students that are immigrants. The Breakthrough Internship Network provides students with professional skills training and are placed in paid summer internships. Breakthrough offers touchpoints throughout the year, including a summer conference to prepare for freshman year, care packages, and near-peer support. With 76% of students—and nearly half of our staff and Board — identifying as Hispanic, Breakthrough is committed to and embedded in the Latino community. Outcome Specific to our Latino students, in the last three years: 96% of our Latino students graduated from high school on time. 88% of our Latino students enrolled directly in college. 51% of our Latino students graduated from college within six years. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Texas Return to Growing What Works Database
