The Road to

College Begins in
Middle School

Breakthrough Silicon Valleys transformative two-pronged program launches disadvantaged

middle school students on the path to college, while at the same time inspiring high school and
college students to become educators, particularly in the communities that need the most help.
Breakthrough stands out among the many efforts to improve educational outcomes for
underserved students, reaching beyond the typical goals of proficiency and deeply changing
the lives of individuals and their communities. While ambitious in its goals, BSV really works:
a stunning 96% of Breakthrough students attend four-year colleges and 78% of Breakthrough
intern teachers enter careers in education.

Breakthrough fills an important void in Silicon Valley by ensuring its high-potential, at-risk
students dont fall through the cracks of our educational system.

1 in 5 Santa Clara County youth do not complete high school

Only 28% of low-income students are enrolled in a college-prep courses
9 out of 10 children from low-income communities do not graduate from four-year
universities
Our research-based program model exists to reverse these trends. Our long-term commitment
ensures that our students get the academic support and guidance they need for enrollment and
success in four-year colleges.

YOU

Can Make Breakthroughs Happen:

Volunteer
Tutor a student struggling in a collegeprep course
Host a group of students for a 1/2 day
career explorations field trip to your
company
Speak to middle school students about
your profession at Career Speakers Day
Counsel a student on high school or
college application essays
Teach a career development workshop
focused on writing resumes,
networking, financial literacy or
interviewing skills
Read student and teacher applications
for admission to Breakthrough
Help with organizational capacity
functions such as marketing,
fundraising, and community outreach

Donate
$25 Provides science lab materials for one
biology class
$50 Gives a student healthy
breakfasts and lunches for one week
$100 Furnishes athletic equipment, art
supplies and musical instruments for
elective courses
$250 Covers the cost of travel and
accommodations for a students four-day
southern California college tour
$500 Underwrites a college readiness
workshop
$1000 Gives a stipend to a high school or
college teaching intern
$1500 Pays for a students entire six-week
summer experience
$2500 Provides a full year of academic
programs for one student
1635 Park Ave San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 287-6357
www.breakthroughsv.org